Chevrolet Repair: Engine Not heating up, coolant temp, engine coolant

Question
I have a 1990 Chev Capris with a 305 that I use as a winter driver. For most of its life it was parked indoors in a heated garage and rarely used during the winter. Since I started using it I have found that the Engine takes for ever to heats up. I first changed the thermostat to a 180. That didn't work, so I did a flush. Nothing I removed the heater core flushed it, and cleaned the coil. Nothing. I even drive with a grill cover (100% covered. Nothing. I replaced the stat again and the heater core valve. Nothing. My next guess is that the fan clutch is driving 100% of the time. How do I test and do you have any other suggestions.


Answer
Hi Bill, First the only thing that controls engine coolant temp is the thermostat, a 180 is colder then the stock 195 which is what you want in this car. If you did everything you said then the problem must be inside the heater system. I would check out the temp door to make sure it is going from hot to cold. Also check that there flow to the heater core from the intake manifold. If there is a nipple on the intake, make sure it isn't plugged and stopping the coolant flow to the heater core.

Hope this helps

Mark