M20 wont stay warm

[Cephas]

I just replaced the thermostat with a new 80c unit and the problem still exists. The car will warm to 1/2 no problem when idling, but once I start moving it drops to just over 1/4.

Could the clutch fan be sticking?

[ak-]

I wish I had your issue.
Anyways, that's pretty normal. Fan spins faster as the RPM's go up.

[Cephas]

Hehe. Yeah I know. But the car runs too rich in closed loop and stinks.

[mod_junkie]

I just replaced the thermostat with a new 80c unit and the problem still exists. The car will warm to 1/2 no problem when idling, but once I start moving it drops to just over 1/4.

Could the clutch fan be sticking?

thats pretty normal mine stays at 1/4 when moving and I believe everyones does that LOL at least all the e30s ive seen.

[Cephas]

Well the other 2 e30's that I have had direct experience with both warm up to just under 1/2 and stay there.

The exhaust smells very different at 1/2 than at 1/4....maybe it's all in my head, but I don't think so. It could also be that the car doesnt have a cat converter.

[jlevie]

The needle being between the 1/4 & 1/2 marks is normal. As a sanity check, measure the temperature of the head and thermostat housing with a contact or IR thermometer.

[Tyler325i]

If you want it warmer you could always get a warmer thermostat, I went with a colder one because I didn't want it to run so hot