I believe im in the right section but correct me if I'm wrong. And yes i've also searched around and can't find an answer.

So the weather here lately has been around -22°c (-8°f) and my 2005 silverado 5.3 never seems to get up to operating temperature. Even after 30-45 minutes of idling it may only get 1/4 way up the temperature guage (temp verified with a scan tool)

So does this sound like a thermostat stuck open issue?

Also, it rarely gets up to 195f unless driven hard.

Thanks and I appreciate your opinions!

 

I'd replace the thermostat for sure.

If the water pump has never been done either, I'd replace it at this time aswell. It will leak sooner than later.

 

It was -15* here the other night and my 03 was perfect at 208*, verified off a mxobd scanner so at least the gauge and computer agreed. Stock level t-stat, replaced water pump 30k miles ago.

I'd do a stock thermostat, should be 190*. Don't **** with anything lower, as I made the mistake of putting a 180* into a truck that was in need of a radiator (over-heated when towing). Damn thing would never get over 120*, swapped to a 190* and it stayed at 190 all day long. Granted that only showed itself when it was -40* and I really wanted a defroster to work.

 

Sorry for taking 100 years to get back here guys, thanks for the help. Problem resolved!