Re: Temp gauge is whack! (archive)

I'm drving down I-65 and the temp gauge is sitting at 200, I happen to look down and it is now sitting at 210, huh? I push in the clutch---back to 195-200, hit the gas 210. What the hell. finally get to a place to stop, check to make sure I'm not overheating. While idling it is at 195, (this is norm for my 02). I start to go 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and finally 4th gear, (done very gently) and it is sitting at 198, okay cool. Now that it has my attention I'm looking more at it than the road, I suddenly see it smack 230 bonce a little then come back to 210 quickly, all in a matter of a couple seconds??? WHAT THE... So I'm wondering if there is a gauge that actually reads the fluid temp, not electrically, if so where do get one, cost, and how hard is this to install?
Thanks,
Matthew C.
modified 74' 02

You may have a grounding problem. Clean all grounding points from engine bay to trunk including battery connections. On the back of the instrument panel there should be a brown wire. Splice another wire into this one and run it to a separate ground.

Then you should measure the coolant temp in the top of the radiator tank with a thermometer to find out what the real temp is. When the car is cold, remove the radiator cap, start it and let it come to operating temp and then compare what the tank temp is to the indicated temp.

If the engine is running as hot as you say it is then you are in danger of warping or cracking a head. Probably time to get that radiator cleaned out or upgraded and put in a cooler thermostat.

Mechanical and electrical engine temp gauges are available through egauges.

http://www.egauges.com/index.htm

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