Temp gauge only goes up 1/4

[Raven Tooth]

I'm having a problem with my temp gauge not working properly. I don't think it's a problem with the gauge itself, because I had the problem before with my old cluster and I just put in a complete new cluster which was supposed to be in fully working condition, and I have the same problem. I thought maybe just the ground was a bit lose, so I tightened everything and no luck.

What would cause my temp gauge to only partially work? When I start the car up it's at 0 but as the car warms it only ever gets up to about 1/4.

Thanks.

[evil_twin]

Search. It happens to a lot of cars...

[blocke]

What temp thermostat do you have in? Have you checked the Temp sensor?

[Raven Tooth]

I have whatever temp thermostat my car came with. Is there any way to check what mine is? I haven't checked the Temp sensor, so I suppose it could be related to a problem with that. Just seems weird to me that it works a bit still. I don't understand enough about it to know why it would only work a bit. Is it possible my car is just running cooler? Seems weird especially since I live in Florida.

[blocke]

I have whatever temp thermostat my car came with. Is there any way to check what mine is? I haven't checked the Temp sensor, so I suppose it could be related to a problem with that. Just seems weird to me that it works a bit still. I don't understand enough about it to know why it would only work a bit. Is it possible my car is just running cooler? Seems weird especially since I live in Florida.

Well how do you know that the 1/4 temp is not accurate? I don't think thermostats have a stamping on them of the temp, but you could test it with a pot of boiling water and a candy thermometer. Or just buy a new one.

[CarsSuck]

i have the same problem of the car not going past the quarter mark. I'm running an 80* thermostat. I've seen conflicting info on what the 'standard' thermostat is.

[StereoInstaller1]

i have the same problem of the car not going past the quarter mark. I'm running an 80* thermostat. I've seen conflicting info on what the 'standard' thermostat is.

Me too, and I have also been told it is a geographic thing.

I used a laser thermometer to check mine. Bringing temps up got me WAY better mileage.

[blocke]

So the consensus is that it should be just under the halfway mark, right?

I believe I ordered a 70 degree thermostat in error, but put it in anyway. My gauge always sits at 1/4 or a hair above. It it will increase my mileage allowing to operate at a higher temp, them I'll throw the 80 degree one in.

[CarsSuck]

Well mine was stamped with an 80 on one side of the old thermostat. I replaced it thinking it was sticking but it wasn't. So 85* it is!

[jlevie]

The stock thermostat for an M20 engine is an 80C unit. The gage only getting to the halfway point could be a bad sensor, but the odds are that you have a thermostat that is stuck open. Replace with a new 80C unit and see what happens.

[Raven Tooth]

Where did your temp gauge sit before you ordered the 70 degree one? (Or is that a dumb question because the old one was broken)

Maybe it is accurate and my engine is just running cool.

Stereo: What exactly did you measure with the laser thermometer to get the reading? Do you just aim it at the intake manifold or something?

How did you bring the temps up after you saw they were low?

I was mostly worried about it being inaccurate and therefore not knowing if my engine ever overheats. But now it's interesting to think it might just be running cool.

[E30Nova]

I have a lower temp thermostat and now normal operating temp is at the first white line. Even in the summer in the high desert where it gets to like 115º and higher.

Matt

[Kershaw]

mine only goes to the 1/4 mark as well if im driving normally. but if the engine is hot and im just idling in place (or revving in place) the engine will go the middle temp mark.

[barry]

I have the same problem, I boiled the thermostat and it opened and closed with no problem. It was working well before I changed the thermo bulb.
Who knows?

[txtorquemade]

mine only goes to the 1/4 mark as well if im driving normally. but if the engine is hot and im just idling in place (or revving in place) the engine will go the middle temp mark.

This