Overcooling Or Temp Sender/guage? Options

[stickycreambun]

1981 mini, MG Metro engine, 82deg thermostat (also tried 88deg, same result), 2-core rad, heater take off straight from head to matrix then back into bottom hose (manifold not plumbed in, no thermostat sandwich).


I start the engine and within a few minutes the temp starts to heat up. It gets to about half way between C and N and then stops (I presume when the thermostat opens). Even sat idling for 10-15 mins still wont raise it.

Is my engine running too cool?
I have a 2core rad that was already fitted with the previous 998, I know the thermostat is working, and the guage shoots to the H end when the sender is shorted out. But dunking the sender in boiling water still does not give a reading past halfway between C-N. I borrowed another temp sender to try, and exactly the same results.

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[Cooperman]

It sounds OK, but with the poor accuracy of electrical temp gauges you never really know. The only way to be sure is to fit a capilliary-type gauge whih you can buy as a kit for c.£60. They are very accurate and easy to fit. Then you have a read out in deg. C.

This post has been edited by Cooperman: Mar 9 2010, 12:43 PM

[dklawson]

Before investing in anything else (t-stat, new gauge, etc) buy a modestly priced infrared thermometer. Bring the engine up to temperature and check the temperature of the top hose, radiator header tank, and t-stat housing. They will all read a bit different but should give you an idea of what's really going on. Once you know that you can make decisions about what else to buy.