Bongo Fury

Novice here and just wondering if it is easy to see if the thermostat is present in
it's housing.

Does taking 12 mins to warm up sound about right ambient temperature about 15 C this morning.
Driving round back roads here and there en route to get basic oil change at local garage.

Was a tad suspicious that this was slow to warm up from mildish temps.

My old thermostat was like that - fitted a new one and it became 5 mins or so. That was 7 years ago!

Many thanks for reply...my concern is I read something about unscrupulous exporters/importers removing the thermostats for some reason or other. (probably overheating related)

bottom hose to rad by front wheel will stay cool until stat opens

if missing it will start to warm from the get go

The most convenient way I have tried is to find a quiet space, lift both front seats and then from the driver's side, give the large coolant hose to the right a few squeezes - you should be able to hear the jiggle pin on the thermostat from where you're standing.

Otherwise, yes - let it idle for ten minutes and if your bottom rad hose (under the bumper, a foot or so back from the right hand side of the number plate) is getting warm, there is likely no thermostat, or it is stuck open.

Will have to have a go at these tests. Thanks.