Im not sure if this is common in Mitsubishi's or 2nd gen V6's, but my car seemed to take unusually long to warm up. I thought maybe it was just because it was a big engine, but on a cold morning sometimes it would take 10mins at least to warm up. I also noticed that once it got close to normal temp, I would accelerate hard on to the highway, then looking at the emp guage about 10mins after, it had actually dropped in temp a bit. Once it got to temp it never really went down though.

Anyway I thought my thermostat might not be closing properly, so I replaced it today, and noticed on the old one by looking at it, you could actually see a small gap between the rubber seals, so it was obviosuly not closing properly. And possibly opening very easily. Anyway I thought this was unusual as the cooling system is in very good condition and very clean. I also noticed that the thermostat was also adjustable, like you could turn a screw and it would make it close. This may have fixed it, but I had bought a new one, and was the better option.

Anyway after chaning it I was amazed how quickly the car warmed up, it was up to full temp within a couple of minutes! Probably about 1/5 of the distance of before. Im hoping now my fuel economy will be better, and will also stop premature engine wear.

I would be interested if anyone else has had this problem, and also just to let anyone else know to check the temp guage and how quick it warms up, because if its not right, definitely change ur thermostat, its not good leaving it as it is!!!

Ollie

My KS verada is quick to warm up.. within 2-4 mins of driving to 1/2 temp and sits there always. Altho, I have driven many 2nd gen V6's thru a dealer, and a few seemed to have the temp all over the place, mainly between 1/4 and 1/2.. this is obviously a permanently open thermostat. All 2nd Gens should run at 1/2 temp at all times. (water at approx 93°c)

stick a new thermostat in it and all should be good. the thermostat is stuck open.