Cool Running!

[Dutchone]

My P&J is a standard 96 500 and my temperature gauge climbs to 75 C in a reasonable time and then holds it on the open road and only rises to 80 C when in slow traffic or manouvering.
The gauge did not change the other day even when stopped in traffic in the middle of Bristol on a reasonably hot sunny day. The fans come on during the slow speed periods, and I can feel the heat wafting into the cabin when the roof is down and the car stationary ( eg. traffic lights)

Reading all the threads concerned with overheating I am wondering if my gauge is reading low!
My local garage (not particularly TVR experienced) say they can check it using their laser - but where do I point it?

Am I correct in thinking the gauge sender is not actually sat in water and located behind the distributor?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks, Paul

[gerjo]

Best is to measure the temp from the ECU.

[lig]

Hi Dutchone,

I also have a 96 500 (best year IMHO), and my temp is very similar to yours, the only difference is that when the AC is on it goes towards 90. You can measure the temp by pointing the laser at any of the hoses (the big one comming off the top of the swirl tank is good), But I really wouldn't worry about it, worry about something else like that small pool of oil you can just see where the dizzy bolts to the engine !!!!!

Regards,
Lig.

[GreenV8S]

The gauge sender is one of several water temp sensors plumbed into the front of the inlet manifold - either directly into the water jacket or on the end of a short pipe. If you want to measure the water temperature yourself using an external thermometer, one convenient place to measure it is on the outside of the stat housing by the top hose.

[david beer]

If you have a 75(ish) water thermostat thats what you will see above 55mph, slower and it will creep up. When you say it didnt move in Bristol was it 75 ? if so sounds like the sender is on its way out.

[B16 RFF]

Dutchone said:

My P&J is a standard 96 500 and my temperature gauge climbs to 75 C in a reasonable time and then holds it on the open road and only rises to 80 C when in slow traffic or manouvering. The gauge did not change the other day even when stopped in traffic in the middle of Bristol on a reasonably hot sunny day. The fans come on during the slow speed periods, and I can feel the heat wafting into the cabin when the roof is down and the car stationary ( eg. traffic lights) Reading all the threads concerned with overheating I am wondering if my gauge is reading low! My local garage (not particularly TVR experienced) say they can check it using their laser - but where do I point it? Am I correct in thinking the gauge sender is not actually sat in water and located behind the distributor? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Paul

That's exactly how my '96 500 behaves. I fitted a new sender last year, and that's how it's been ever since.
Nothing to worry about IMHO.