Modifying the temperature gauge compatible with the 2.0L

[Kernongo]

Hi, does anybody know if the mod to the temperature gauge given in the fact sheets is compatible with the 2001 2.0l petrol models.

The text in the fact sheet mentions compatibility to the older 2.5L diesel model.

[Simon Jones]

I believe the gauge is the same for all three engine variants, so the mod should work fine.

[mentaliss]

Hi, does anybody know if the mod to the temperature gauge given in the fact sheets is compatible with the 2001 2.0l petrol models.

The text in the fact sheet mentions compatibility to the older 2.5L diesel model.

can I ask why do you want to modify the Temp Gauge on a 2.0 Ltr ?

[Kernongo]

Thanks for the replies ..!!

... it's not that I want to modify the temperature gauge (aka the Ben Bruce fact sheet) it is just that I like to know my options...
When I read the various forums & study the behaviour of my own gauge I am left in a bit of a confused state...

My gauge is very reluctant to rise to the 'C' position often only doing this when in slow traffic for 5 - 10 minutes and once again on the open road drops like a stone..! probably just as the thermostat opens and lets more coolant into the circuit.

.. some forums list this as normal for the gauge... it is apparently designed to register as 'C' at normal operating temperatures, others list this as a possible fault with either thermostat or sender... though after a run the expansion tank is what I would describe as about right to the touch suggesting the cooling system is working.

If I read the mod right it causes the gauge to read roughly in the middle for normal 82-85c for a working sender and therefore fluctuations from thermostats opening and closing or poor cooling more apparent...kind of similar I guess to our Scenic gauge.

...of course I can not rule out the possibility of a defect with any part of my cooling system so at the mo I am simply deciding the next best step.

I hope this makes sense....
Mark

[g8dhe]

The normal position for the V6 and TD is 11 O'clock position after 5-10 minutes, it stays there until it starts to boil then shoots up to 2 O'clock The needle doesn't move much between 80-100C and that's what the modification changes.
The 2 litre petrol appears to run a little cooler, but its not been mentioned that it doesn't get off the stop and to the "C" position very often.

[Kernongo]

Cheers Geoff

Sounds like I either...
1. have a very efficient cooling system
2. somethings knackered somewhere..!!

...either way my preference is to see some movement in the gauge during normal operation as I have also read that if there is a cooling failure the gauge shoots up but sometimes too late..

.. but I'm between that and the 'if it's not broke.....etc'

It was the bit about 'a modified temperature gauge can indicate excess temperature long before damage may occur' that first drew me to the fact sheet..!

Kindest Regards
Mark

[Northern Bongolow]

if you dont go into the back of the gauge at all (to remove and bridge the zenner diode) and just put a 100 or 110 ohm resister across the terminals on the track on the rear of the clock cluster you get the same readings on the gauge, less invasive and easier to swap and change about.

did mine and it works very well. be carefull tightening the screws though as per fact sheet.

[mentaliss]

I hope this makes sense....
Mark[/quote]
Ok I see your concern, even though the 2.0Ltr engine lacks pulling power, it is by far the most reliable engine in the Bongo range it certainly has not got the pulling power of the diesel nor the straight line speed of the V6 but lets face it, if the diesel was still being produced today in its present form Mazda would have to had a 'recall' as the issues with the diesel are just not acceptable. (has anyone on the Forum ever HAD to fit a additional Temp gauge to a 2.0Ltr)?.. as a comparison my Rover 75, year 2001 diesel, has never had a coolant leak, doesn't overheat, never reversed flushed it, never had to fit an 'additional' temp gauge and it still returns 38-40mpg, I really do feel sorry for people who buy the diesel version of the bongo especially when their not aware of the issues ..... sorry for the moan but there are certain issues with bongo's that are just not excusable.

[Kernongo]

...again thanks for the tips and advice guys... I'm still getting used to the 'quirks' but it is great being part of the wider community of like minded folk.

Kindests
Mark..

[terrybull]

Hi Kernongo, I too drive a 2.0l and the guage sits at 11:00 o'clock as soon as its warmed up, it doesn't move when chugging up hills (yes it will get there) or sitting in traffic.

[Kernongo]

Thanks for that, my gauge moves but only it seems when I hit slower traffic or climbing which is expected... It just seems that stable magic 11 o'clock position is elusive..!

But with all the feedback coming from everyone I think my first step is to confirm the presence of a thermostat which I understand is checked by squeezing the coolant pipes and listening for the ball bearing movement.

Kindest..
Mark

[Getcarter]

Just to add to the party, the gauge in my 2lt rises to almost 12 o clock after about 5 minutes and then doesn't budge at all.

Tim

[sdsk]

Just to add to the party, the gauge in my 2lt rises to almost 12 o clock after about 5 minutes and then doesn't budge at all.

Tim

Same here.

Darron

[Getcarter]

Just to add to the party, the gauge in my 2lt rises to almost 12 o clock after about 5 minutes and then doesn't budge at all.

Tim

Same here.

Darron

Thats good to know!

[Kernongo]

Well to add to the mix I've ran my Bongo for about 30mins this evening and after 10 (ish) minutes the gauge was pointing skyward as it should be at about 11 - 12 o'clock, so I'm satisfied my sender is reading right.

My lower pipe was nice and toasty having squeezed it before I started and confirmed a "clicking" noise suggesting a thermostat is present...

... I then held a higher rpm to check to see if the radiator fan came on... it did... I watched the gauge drop slightly and the fan stopped so all well there...

All this points to a working cooling system but re-inforces my personal desire to see a more traditional temperature needle movement..

Many thanks for all your feedback, tips, experiences and advice

Kindness
Mark