Firstfives.org

Built, installed 56,000 mi. engine w/new peripherals 2 years ago. Flushed radiator, new water pump, hoses, thermostat. Runs good, no problems, save sensitive throttle I drive around. 100 degrees humid, an hour in parked traffic last summer the temp needle rose only slightly. No a/c on.

Not driven in winter for years. Turning on the heater and blower noted a slight rise in temperature on the gauge. Not large, but higher, similar to hot summer.

I thought turning on the heater was a trick for lowering temps. No problems, it never went nuts, much above the 12 o'clock mark, just curious.

Might the heater core be full of old crunchies ? No noises, nothing visible while hoses were off. Just watch and drive or action required ?

More likely an electrical issue affecting the temp. gauge. I notice when I crank up the fan speed, the temp. gauge will (ahem) become slightly more erect.

Unless you want to chase unnecessary solutions, I'd just make a mental note, and drive away. Having said that, the electrical issue is/could be under dash grounds (and the subsequent path back to the battery) and/or more likely, the flaky ribbon wiring harness that's riveted in places to the cluster, one of which is an all important ground point, one for the temp. gauge and one for the gas gauge.

See my post.

Thank you, as usual. Darned if the fuel gauge hasn't been hinky, sticky once in awhile to note your post, set the mileage meter to extend procrastination time.

If I don't croak, next spring the cluster is coming out for rejuvenation.

Definitely a ground issue. Run an extra wire between the engine and the body and see what happens. If that fixes it, and I suspect it will, go from there.