Is it my temperature guage?

[trin0091]

Hi there,
I've had a good search and am pretty certain but want to make sure.
450 98 chimaera.
Start engine, radiator pipe stays cold until temp guage reads about 50. Swirl tank remains shut, very small trickle. Time elapsed about 3 mins. At about 50 the swirl tank starts to open a little and continues to be open with good flow. When the temperature guage reads 70 the fans kick in. Time elapsed 5 mins. Car is stationary, and the temperature is low.

This suggests that thermostat is behaving and the guage is reading about 20 low because I would expect the termostat to start opening around 70 and the fans to kick in at 90.

The heater is fairly toasty but need to have it on max during the cold spell. This appears to be because theres an opening over the right wing in the drivers footwell. Don't know if it's supposed to be covered? It's above and to the right of the accelerator pedal. Cold right foot during the cold snap.

I've seen others suggest covering a bit of the radiator but it appears the car is running fine but the guage is reading low.

Is there something I'm forgetting.

many thanks in advance.

Matt

[zippee]

I think it would depend on what stat you have fitted. There are low temp stats that open at a much lower temp, mine ios fitted with one and the stat opens around 50.

[david beer]

Must be the sender, mine went and i used the spare sender on top of the head, saves draining etc. A variable resistor to set it up and its done. Zippy, are you sure your water stat is 50 ? You would be running on "choke" in these temps. Mine is 88, winter or summer.

[trin0091]

ah yes, no reason why it can't be the sender.
I'm not normally one to disbelieve guages as they are simple enough to be reliable.
Would the water temp in the swirl tank be indicative of the correct water temperature? I think i have a thermometer i can put in there so can check that way if it is.

cheers for the replies

matt

[david beer]

Once the water stat is open, you will see the water temp in the swirl tank. You will also get an idea of the water stat rating, with better fan control you do not have to go the early/ cold water stat.