Low oil temp

[BGB autosport]

Recently bought my 2000 Tuscan, it had a new oil temp sensor before i bought it, it reads very low, in these cold temps before I start it from cold its reading -5 degrees but the water temp will be a good bit higher. It also never gets above 55 degrees even after a run.

Can anything be done or is it just a dodgy reading that i should just take as an indicator and unless it changes from the norm? Water temp sits low-mid 80's

[Zippee]

Could be the sensor but from what I understand the sensor is in the airflow, so the cold air will affect it. On an A-road or m/way I can barely get my oil temp over 40deg some mornings, but come to a standstill it soon rises to 60-70 plus.

[T450t]

As said the ots is in the cold air stream. During the winter months your ears become a better judge than your eyes to know when the engine is hot enough. You can wrap the sensor and oil tank in quilted foil it wont do any harm.

[Tuscan Wil]

I have read that many owners found the cars struggling to over 40 degree in a cold day. I have now taken a different "warm up route" in winter - more stop and start for the round about and traffic lights, a slower speed route rather than clear open road, just to give the engine a chance to warm up.

[BGB autosport]

Its reassuring that others are the same. Took the car to Birmingham today, about 210 mile round trip, never missed a beat and averaged high 20's mpg. The times i forgot to look at the pressures and temps where very enjoyable! While moving, cruising about 60-80, oil temp was 40-42 and water around 70. Only while in heavy, stop start traffic for an hour did it get to 50 and 80.

On a side note, I did have a Focus ST try it on, I just looked and smiled. Was not worth the effort, might have spilt my coffee.

Edited by BGB autosport on Wednesday 10th December 08:37