Temperature

you mean it has no heat from heater or gauge just reads cold? could be stuck/broke thermostat.

Once it finally makes it up to an operating temperature the gauge reads just below 1/4 of the gauge which I would think it would need to be near 1/2 and the heater blows warm air but not what I would consider hot. I've removed the upper heater hose and run water in it with a water hose and water immediately starts to flow from the engine side so I would be willing to assume it is full of liquid and with the heat even working a little I would think the heater core isn't blocked. I'm at a loss.

why did you skip my comment on thermostat?

I'm sorry I wasn't aware that I skipped anything. You asked a question which I answered along with some information on what I have attempted on my own. After that question you made at statement which I would consider to be a guess and I will take that guess into account but would prefer to have a few ideas before I remove half the top of the motor of the car to get to the thermostat. I do appreciate your swift reply and welcome any other ideas you may have.

well you could actually measure the temp with a thermometer? just in case your gauge itself is faulty? based on your description i dont know any mechanic that would NOT say check thermostat? but i see the perceived difficulty is a block for you?

Wow, I come here to get expert advice and intellegent suggestions as to what to check with the least difficulty before I venture into taking things appart and all I get are unintellegent smart remarks from someone who's giving me no more expert advice than I already knew myself. Again I do appreciate your swift response in letting me know this was a complete waste of time.

what do you want for FREE? it was good advice, you just dont like it?