m103 time to operating temperature?

[JamesDean]

I have a 3L m103 in my 190E 2.6..

I was just wondering how long (time or miles) should it take the motor to reach ~80C (operating temp) in a 30F ambient outdoor temp ?

I went to get gas last night around midnight and it was 29F on my outside temp sensor gauge...the motor got up to to 80C in under a mile (approx 4-5 minutes) I dont believe that to be a normal time considering my 2.6L that was in there almost never got to 80C in the winter temps--even after nearly 8 miles (15 minutes of driving)

At the same point where the 3L hit 80C, the 2.6 barely had enough warmth to output heat @ the vents.

What would cause such a rapid warm up?

When I squeeze the upper radiator hose that goes into the t-stat housing, I hear this sound like there a tiny ball ratting around..


-Thanks
Kris