how do i know that my thermastat is not opening up...the temp gauge doesn't go up but, when they infra red scan the temp on the engine, its hotter than the fluid in the radiator...? do i need a new thermastat?..help

 

As cheap and easy to install as a t'stat is, if in doubt, replace it. Make sure you replace it with an OEM one that has the jiggle pin. While your at it, you should probably replace the caps too. Just a bit of added safety and piece of mind.

 

are you sure its cheap...i got quotes fromm 300's to 450's...

 

...sorry, I was quoting from the FC experience. Thermostats aren't very expensive and are easy to remove and install. FD's might be very different.

 

If you have and FD, be sure to ask for the FC's thermostat. It opens up at 85C instead of 95C or something like that. Either way, you should get the FC one which opens much sooner then 95C / 203F stock FD thermostat.