I would remove the thermostat first and remove the spring etc. so that their is nothing to impede the coolant flow....You were going to replace it anyway...then I would test drive and check the temperature....If the temp. stays way down then you know you might just need a lower temp. thermostat and if you are lucky it will be about 80-85 and you have solved your problem...It will just take a few minutes longer to warm up....Jim

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James A. Harris