Using the car over the last 6 months or so, I have noticed that the car is - according to the temperature gauge anyway - running a bit cool.
In normal running, the needle tends to hover around the 1/4 mark on the gauge.
Temperature will climb in traffic and if running stationary or at low speeds long enough, the electric fan will kick in at the relevant point.
I am just worried that the engine may be running too cool. So if the engine is cruising at 3000rpm whilst the temp is low, am I going to end up in more wear?
How can I know if it is an issue?
Cool runnings?
Re: Cool runnings?
Most likely not relevant in your case, but mine only showed 1/4 because the voltage regulator was faulty,
however I new it was not right as the car heater was giving full heat and the running of the engine was in
tune with warming up.
After changing gauge shows half, and then thermostat kicks in as soon as the needle shys over the mark.
Worth checking your temp sensor, (or quick swap) also some multimeters have thermocouple features which
would allow you to check the actual running temperature, if you have one or can borrow.
however I new it was not right as the car heater was giving full heat and the running of the engine was in
tune with warming up.
After changing gauge shows half, and then thermostat kicks in as soon as the needle shys over the mark.
Worth checking your temp sensor, (or quick swap) also some multimeters have thermocouple features which
would allow you to check the actual running temperature, if you have one or can borrow.
NRW 581W Sprint
On the motorway no one can hear me sing!
Construed as a public service, self preservation in reality.
On the motorway no one can hear me sing!
Construed as a public service, self preservation in reality.
-
cliftyhanger
- TDC Member
- Posts: 2542
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:26 am
Re: Cool runnings?
You could swap gauges and senders until you get the reading you want! I actually did this on a friends car who thought their car was running hot. A calibrated capillary gauge showed it was running at just over 80degrees, so spot on. A swap of gauges/senders got a nice mid reading.
Moral, check the actual temperature. It may well be spot on. If too cool, pop a higher rated thermostat in.
Moral, check the actual temperature. It may well be spot on. If too cool, pop a higher rated thermostat in.
Clive Senior
Brighton
Brighton
Re: Cool runnings?
Mine runs with a different temperature gauge and sits on 88-90 deg. I have a laser temperature tool if you are stuck and want to compare hose or head temperatures.
Mike
1980 Vermillion Sprint - 174bhp
1980 Vermillion Sprint - 174bhp
-
alolympic
Re: Cool runnings?
Thanks all. As has been suggested, identifying what the running temperature is, is the most critical.
Umm...how do I find hat. Let's assume I buy a laser temperature reader, what am I pointing at when, and what should i expect to see?
Many thanks
Al
Umm...how do I find hat. Let's assume I buy a laser temperature reader, what am I pointing at when, and what should i expect to see?
Many thanks
Al
-
gmsclassics
- TDC Member
- Posts: 670
- Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Re: Cool runnings?
From the symptoms you describe, I doubt you have a problem. However, perhaps better to know everything is okay, rather than just think it!
First check the voltage from the voltage stabiliser (that feeds the temperature gauge) is 10v. As it isn't constant the older needle type voltmeter is easier to read than the new digital ones.
If you get an infrared thermometer (and the cheap ones off the internet are fine for this use), just point it at the thermostat housing, as that is where the temperatre sender is located. Go for a gentle run and when temperature on the gauge is stable, stop and take the reading very soon after. Don't forget with the engine running and no airflow through the radiator, it will start to get hotter. Other than in exceptional circumstances, you should get a reading that matches the set temperature of the thermostat. These are available in 72, 77, 82 and 88 so unless you fitted it and know that one you have, at some stage you will need to remove yours to see what is fitted. 82 is standard so if yours has been changed, it may be running slightly cooler. I can't see it affecting wear as long as you change the oil (good quality) regularly and have reasonable oil pressure when running. My understanding is that in theory running hotter improves fuel efficiency and running cooler increases power.
You can semi-calibrate your gauge by taking readings in situations where the needle has risen.
When I started racing the engine would boil reguarly so I replaced the standard gauge with one which actually told me the temperature in degrees centigrade. Not surprisingly I found it running around 110C+ on a hot day. But then I was treating it in a way it was never designed for. I've long since made modifications to sort this, but it did make me want to know more about what my road car was doing so I fitted a similar gauge to that. That car has never had a real cooling problem on the road, but I always have the reassurance of being able to see excatly what is happening. I suppose it is just a matter of personal choice, just in the same way as I have an oil pressure gauge fitted.
Regards
Geoff
First check the voltage from the voltage stabiliser (that feeds the temperature gauge) is 10v. As it isn't constant the older needle type voltmeter is easier to read than the new digital ones.
If you get an infrared thermometer (and the cheap ones off the internet are fine for this use), just point it at the thermostat housing, as that is where the temperatre sender is located. Go for a gentle run and when temperature on the gauge is stable, stop and take the reading very soon after. Don't forget with the engine running and no airflow through the radiator, it will start to get hotter. Other than in exceptional circumstances, you should get a reading that matches the set temperature of the thermostat. These are available in 72, 77, 82 and 88 so unless you fitted it and know that one you have, at some stage you will need to remove yours to see what is fitted. 82 is standard so if yours has been changed, it may be running slightly cooler. I can't see it affecting wear as long as you change the oil (good quality) regularly and have reasonable oil pressure when running. My understanding is that in theory running hotter improves fuel efficiency and running cooler increases power.
You can semi-calibrate your gauge by taking readings in situations where the needle has risen.
When I started racing the engine would boil reguarly so I replaced the standard gauge with one which actually told me the temperature in degrees centigrade. Not surprisingly I found it running around 110C+ on a hot day. But then I was treating it in a way it was never designed for. I've long since made modifications to sort this, but it did make me want to know more about what my road car was doing so I fitted a similar gauge to that. That car has never had a real cooling problem on the road, but I always have the reassurance of being able to see excatly what is happening. I suppose it is just a matter of personal choice, just in the same way as I have an oil pressure gauge fitted.
Regards
Geoff
-
alolympic
Re: Cool runnings?
Thank you very much everyone. I will diagnose as suggested.
I had the thermostat out quite recently to check it was opening and closing as expected, can't for the life of me remember which one it is though.
I have only changed the oil and filter a couple of hundred miles ago, so fingers crossed that will minimise wear if there is a problem.
Many thanks guys, so helpful as always!
I had the thermostat out quite recently to check it was opening and closing as expected, can't for the life of me remember which one it is though.
I have only changed the oil and filter a couple of hundred miles ago, so fingers crossed that will minimise wear if there is a problem.
Many thanks guys, so helpful as always!