280i - Temp guage going mental!!!

[sjp76]

All of the sudden, my temp guage started violently going from 0 to Max (120 i think) and sticking at one or the other for some time. Is something shorting out, or do I need a new sensor? If so, where can I get one?
Almost forgot, its an 85 280i with VDO instruments.

Also, does anyone know whether the rubber air intake duct from the Air filter to the injector system is a standard ford part, or was it a TVR special?? Mine's split and is currently held together with duct tape!

Cheers,
Steve.

[jmorgan]

Not sure about your gauge, tried the obvious like loose/damaged connection? Also if you are not sure whats happening and you think its hot, its cheaper to stop.

Beware of duct tape, some don't seal that well so an extra band of insulating tape around the edges, depends how big the split and if its that ridge type pipe (happened to me once)

[sjp76]

So did you get a new pipe thingy when itr happened to you? If so, where from 'cos Im buggered if I can find one!!! (Mine is the concertina looking duct).

[jmorgan]

Dealer maybe? Kept using fresh tape as I didn't know as well. Wedge auto?

[seb]

Have you checked the coolant level. On my old 350 I once ran low enough on coolant that the sensor was above the coolant level intermittently, giving similar symptoms on the gauge to your own.

Steve V8S