It is only a year old. not many miles either.. Thats why I thought it was wierd!

 

a cold engine WILL ware out sooner. the heat makes the oil work like it should. no matter where you live. dont forget it is a system, change only a part it doesnt work like designed.

 

But you're in ColoraaaaaaadOOOOOO

If it helps any, I would drive from Englewood heading to the Tech Center for work. It would not be warmed up for the heater until about hitting Colorado Blvd.

Anything happen prior to this possible "lower than what you thought" condition? You could also just need a heater core flush. That will help.

 

Tstat costs next to nothing - replace it.

 

What color is the truck?

 

It is a beautiful green with the clear coat peeling off like a sunburn!! Whoo HOO!!

 

I was taught in Auto shop class that removing thermostate is not good.
Thermostate is there to 'slow' water circulation so heat of engine can be absorbed by the water. Hot water is then cooled down in radiator.The temperature gauge is temp of water not temp of engine. The temp gauge reads cooler with stat removed because water does not have time to absorb heat from metal but engine is actually hotter than normal.
just saying...

 

An engine wouldn't overheat without a thermostat. The cold water is constantly cooling the engine. Heat still gets displaced in the water, just more quickly and cooled quicker at the radiator.

 

Incorrect. See the post above yours. The cooling system would not be absorbing the heat from the engine, in order to dissipate it, and therefore the engine would be running too cool.

Remember, the thermostat doesn't open until the engine comes up to operating temperature, which means the coolant has absorbed enough heat.

 

Back in the 70's (in warm climated Australia), we rarely installed t'stats in old project cars (186 & 202 I6's, 253 & 308 V8's).
They took a bit longer to warm up, and heat in winter was minimal, but they ran just fine.