I've actually seen semi-trucks doing the same thing. Thought it was to
increase the heat on the core for internal comfort.

I found that if I am low in the van, the tstat is slow to open. FYI.

On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 6:34 PM, Mike Collum <collum@verizon.net> wrote:

> Once, during a trip, when I discovered that my thermostat had failed
> open, the engine actually started running rough as it was very cold out.
>  My temporary fix was to put a sheet of cardboard (I usually carry some
> under the rear cushion for something to lay under the van on) in front
> of the radiator.  I covered better than 3/4 of it and, after a time, the
> gauge actually started to show normal temperature.
>
> Mike
>

--
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'