first off, i couldnt find t2 parts in my local junkyard. so then, out goes the 13b short block (no intake or exhaust manifolds) from my engine bay. (mated with my original gsl tranny)

anyways, i threw on my original motor(12a) back in and i have have noticed for the longest time that my temp stays really low. (given that the car has been running for 45 minutes @ idle)

is this right? is there something wrong with the engine? i know my gauges are right because both of my gauges (one is stock and the other is with the reverse gauges) read the same temp. only about a quarter up.

i just wonder cuz arent rotarys suppose to run hot?? or do people just refer to "hot" as in the exhaust system? im not saying the temp should be @3/4 or above, but it just seems weird how it stays so low.

anyways is it normal, or do i have a cooling system problem??



btw. i replaced the bulbs in the back of the cluster to red ones, and it looks way better. red illumination is the ****!! even the signal arrows are red.

 

Per your gauge, it looks about the same as mine. Be glad. When people say rotarys run "hot", they are referring to the exhaust.

 

Prolly has a 160* thermostat in the engine. My 83 climbs a little higher (about 1/4) on the gauge with a 180* t-stat, and my buddies 79 runs about the same as your pic. His has a 160* thermostat. I used an infared temp sensor to make sure it was not running too cool, it showed between 155 and 162.

 

nothing is wrong with your car... rotarys run hot in the exhaust.. after warming up my car it has the exact same placement of the needle just like yours