Operating temperatures

[Tidmo]

Hi everyone. Hopefully a simple question. I've got an aftermarket water temperature gauge fitted to my 4wd diesel Bongo. Can someone tell me the operating range please? Luckily ive had no coolant issues in the past, its more of a heads up til i can get a LCA. Thanks in advance.

[wonkanoby]

basically i would base it on what it reads now

as there are so many variables as regards sensor location of same etc

[Tidmo]

It seems to be running at around 30 degrees, is that right?

[Simon Jones]

What type of gauge is it? If its showing 30 degrees then I don't think it's fitted/working correctly. The coolant should be a lot hotter than that as the head can get up to over 100 degrees on the exhaust side.

[Northern Bongolow]

the first thing i would do is callibrate the gauge if poss. do a pan test using a thermometer. ive found that gauges and senders can vary wildly. also may be an idea to run the live through a voltage stabilizer, which are really cheap, this makes sure that the gauge recieves a steady 12 volts all the time, if not the gauge can rise and fall depending on the revs and give varying readings at the same coolant temp.

[Velocette]

Once warmed up mine is usually around 85 to 89. Highest temperature I've seen was 101 but that was in Spain on a bigger climb than anything you'd find in the UK at motorway speeds.

My sensor is on the back of the cylinder head

[winchman]

the first thing i would do is callibrate the gauge if poss. do a pan test using a thermometer. ive found that gauges and senders can vary wildly. also may be an idea to run the live through a voltage stabilizer, which are really cheap, this makes sure that the gauge recieves a steady 12 volts all the time, if not the gauge can rise and fall depending on the revs and give varying readings at the same coolant temp.

Now thats some good advice, I have seen plenty of temp gauges that are a million miles out, also some that are so slow to respond that the engine would be cooked anyway

[Tidmo]

Thanks for all your replies. It was fitted by a mate recently so will get ADS to look at it when it's down there next week and report back. My paranoia makes me check the coolant daily.

[winchman]

My paranoia makes me check the coolant daily.

I know the feeling

[Tidmo]

B****r. There's me thinking an aftermarket gauge would be better than the joke factory one.

[haydn callow]

B****r. There's me thinking an aftermarket gauge would be better than the joke factory one.

There are plenty of good ones about....but as with most things.....you get what you pay for...

Why save a few pounds and risk your cylinder head whilst doing so ??

[longhaul8]

I got one of the cube temp gauges from hayden 12 months ago if not more and still not fitted it

[rita]

B****r. There's me thinking an aftermarket gauge would be better than the joke factory one.

Hi at whatever tem Tidmo,

I have been looking at these gauges for £28.00 +p&p they look pretty good.The bit I like about them is,you can control the radiator cooling fans to a preset temperature.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110815948233? ... 1423.l2649

[haydn callow]

B****r. There's me thinking an aftermarket gauge would be better than the joke factory one.

Hi at whatever tem Tidmo,

I have been looking at these gauges for £28.00 +p&p they look pretty good.The bit I like about them is,you can control the radiator cooling fans to a preset temperature.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110815948233? ... 1423.l2649

Have looked into those and they only go up to 110C (really need 125C) also the sensor is not the best.....I have been in contact with another company trying to get reasonably priced gauge onto the market..
Two of these are being tested by members at the moment......they are provided with 2 sensors so you can get the Coolant and the head covered...and in apperance are much the same as the one mentioned in this topic.
Another plus for these is there is room inside for a Low Coolant Alarm making it into a combo alarm
Depending on results ... I will get a supply or not.

[rita]

Hi,

I would have thought that if you need to set your alarm above 110 degrees centigrade,You have a problem before you start.

Cheers.