Thanks Old Magnet.
I "ASSUMED" because the thermostats were opening too early that they were not scaled, sledged or rusted up. The described trouble would only inhibit the thermostat from opening... or am I all wet here?

I think you are correct.

Quick update...  The slobbering has stopped  the muffler is still cleaning out a bit. 2 NEW Gates 3338 180°F thermostats and it still need a sheet of cardboard to bring the heat up to a comfortable 177*F the picture is one minute after shutdown. Now the temp is up I need to retoqued the head and readjust the valve lash. [

 
 
 

If possible, block the lower half of the radiator, coolant is hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom, but I'm sure you already know that. Looks like you have it pretty well covered though.

Thank RomeK/G
Before I put the cardboard in I perforated it in a few places in case it needed more air flow.
I've never seen a diesel run so cold in my life but I have heard an urban myth of Slick50. Back in the day Slick50 was all the rage, later I heard if it was used the lack of friction would cause the the equipment to run cold. I don't know if that is true and I've digested that information with a grain of salt..

Yep! I see you have a blower fan on the engine, I have a reversable fan on my 7U D4, when farming I had it in the blower position and it would run hotter but when I switched it to suction it would run allot cooler, so the fan should not be a problem here. Perhaps if you could make some engine side panels it would hold more heat around the engine in cold weather. Maybe throw a canvas tarp over the hood and draped over the sides might help, I do that with my Ford backhoe in the winter.

Thanks again RomeK/G
I did have plans to build a set of side covers out of some stainless but the snow has everything covered right now. I did get a small tarp and bungees to strap over the cowling now I have the heat up. LOL just in time for spring...

Sounds good!

Update.
After the temp came up the head gasket started to weep. I run the puppy-water out of the 8T after blocking the lionshare of the radiator, changed thermostats and washed and degreased the D318 and pony. After the engine heat has cycled several times it seems to have quit weeping around the head gasket. I am still keeping a close eye on though.