apparently you have not been informed about the bypass t stat.

until the car is good and warm, the coolant is diverted back to the block without going through the rad. once the car is warm and requires cooling the stat will direct the coolant to flow through the rad.

in cold weather it will not get hot enough to go through the rad when sitting and idling.

it sounds as if your car is operating as designed.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.