Engine Temperature

Dear Tech Guy!
I have a couple questions for you. The first one is about my engine temperature. My radiator is underneath my plane and has a flap that I can open or close, I'm assuming to control engine temps. It doesn't do anything when I close it. My temp. is always around 130 degrees. I put a piece of cardboard over it and it still did nothing. What can I do to heat it up more so my heater puts off more heat? And this leads into my second question. I took off my radiator cap to check the fluid level and it wasn't visible. And also my water pressure never moved while flying today. My radiator is under the plane (like I said) and my radiator cap is above the engine (blue head 582). Jeremy Viegut sir_jeremy@yahoo.com

Tech Guy Responds
Sir Jeremy! 130 is not bad for a liquid, the ultimate is 140 degrees. Mine runs at 130-140 in the winter and 140-160 in the summer. 2 strokes should run much cooler than a 4 stroke will. Fill up the a anti freeze and it sounds like you are close. I have to completely block my radiators in the winter in order to run at 140 F. I have the two small ones next to the engine. You may have to close the flap completely and it may still run cool. As long as the thermostat is there you should be OK. Good luck and I can't wait to see your bird
Gordy