Temp Gauge Reading

For everything to do with Dolomites, Toledos, FWD cars and Dolomite-based kitcars.
Post Reply
Message
Author
jlan1978
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:09 pm

Temp Gauge Reading

#1 Post by jlan1978 »

Hi All

The Temp Gauge on my Dolly Sprint goes very high quite quickly from starting, and then sits in the last segment moving maybe a millimeter or so higher. I'm pretty certain the car isn't overheating etc as Its driving fine without issue.

I have read if the Temp gauge moves full range its not the gauge itself?
Anyone have experience or direction on this issue?

Thanks
User avatar
yorkshire_spam
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 994
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 3:35 pm
Location: Filey, North Yorkshire

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#2 Post by yorkshire_spam »

New temp senders are notoriously bad.
If you can get hold of an IR thermometer it's well worth trying to corelate the gauge against actual engine/rad temps.
Image
User avatar
xvivalve
TDC West Mids Area Organiser
Posts: 13580
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:13 pm
Location: Over here...can't you see me?

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#3 Post by xvivalve »

How is the fuel gauge behaving? If that is playing up too, it could be the voltage stabiliser; a common problem.
jlan1978
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:09 pm

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#4 Post by jlan1978 »

Seems fine, I've not had the car long, it was on near empty I filled up and all was grand.
How could I check the voltage stabiliser?
jlan1978
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:09 pm

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#5 Post by jlan1978 »

As in these Temp sensors?
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/tem ... e/dolomite

They just fail regular?
dollyman
TDC Cheshire Area Organiser
Posts: 1410
Joined: Wed May 17, 2017 6:28 pm
Location: NANTWICH.

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#6 Post by dollyman »

jlan1978 wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:59 pm As in these Temp sensors?
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/tem ... e/dolomite

They just fail regular?
They do i'm afraid. To test the gauge itself take the wire off the transmittor and put to an earth with the ignition on. It should go over to the hot side.

Tony.
NOW A CLUB MEMBER 2017057 :bluewave:
MIG Wielder
TDC Member
Posts: 2336
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:52 pm

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#7 Post by MIG Wielder »

If you disconnect the coil for safety, turn on the IGN , and detatch the lead to the temperature sensor and then connect it to a good earth via a 68 ohm resistor, after 2 minutes the temp; gauge should read "N" or exactly half way on the gauge.

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... ms#p307734

At the bottom of this thread are a set of calibration points.

My temp; sensor went wrong just before Christmas last year and I used a Rimmer's GTR 108 which works just fine.

HTH,
Tony.
User avatar
B8WLY
TDC Kent & Sussex Area Organiser
Posts: 171
Joined: Thu Mar 07, 2019 6:00 am
Location: Kent

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#8 Post by B8WLY »

Had the same issue.

I did upgrade the radiator with a new electric fan, which made no difference. Changed the thermostat and the sensor which also made no difference.

Put a new voltage regulator in which did come off another Sprint so we knew its history, and that sorted the problem out.

The gauge now sits between half and three quarters on normal driving, just above half on a run, and at three quarters when in traffic. I used to test the rocker cover when returning home with a heat gun for a period just to ensure it was not over heating and was told by the forum the readings I had were well within tolerance.

I no longer worry about the issue and accept a lot of Sprints will read differently on the gauge.
Sprint, ;- DBL 532V
jlan1978
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:09 pm

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#9 Post by jlan1978 »

Brilliant Lads Appreciated the share of knowledge and help
User avatar
yorkshire_spam
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 994
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 3:35 pm
Location: Filey, North Yorkshire

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#10 Post by yorkshire_spam »

If it's the old type of semi-mechanical voltage regulator it can be tricky to test, an old analogue voltmeter might do it. Most of the time the easiest way to test is to swap (an approach I don't generally favor!)
Image
User avatar
TrustNo1
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 1635
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 5:48 pm

Re: Temp Gauge Reading

#11 Post by TrustNo1 »

Regulator Vs Stabilisers ........


Voltage regulators are on the Alternator and will effect everything electrical.

A voltage stabiliser is on the bulkhead and is only connected to the fuel and temp gages and is easily tested using any type of mutimeter that reads Volts. test the voltage in which should match the battery voltage and the voltage out should read a constant 10 volts.
Some people are like Slinky's, they serve no real purpose in life but bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Post Reply