No defrost while idling to warm up car in winter

[Daox]

Does the coolant gauge show the engine is actually up to temperature?

Sounds like low coolant levels to me, but I would imagine you have already checked that with the thermostat replacement.

[classic67]

Correct me if im wrong aren't there two kinds of thermostats that he could run it sounds like its opening to early and not heating up properly. You live in Alaska do you use a block heater at all?