P38 Temperature Gauge problems?

[Shirley]

Hi Guys,
A recent purchase of a 96 P38 with Temp Gauge probs.
Reads fine when the engine is off (Line voltage 4.3DCV) but reads really high, at the edge of the red zone when the engine is started (Line voltage reads 6.0DCV) engine running.
A mechanical check of the water temperature show about 87 degrees C, this appears to be normal.

Has anyone ever encountered this fault.. He, he, he, :angel:???
Got a feeling that I am not alone on this one.... !

Cheers,
Shirley..

[81stubee]

When you say line voltage which point are you taking that from?

My thoughts would be to check the connector underneath the expansion tank. Thoroughly test and clean as these often corrode.

The temperature feeds into the body computer and it is a digital signal from there. Really need to plug in a faultmate or similar.

Stu

[Shirley]

Hi Stu,
The earths ? under the expansion tank? Yep, all clean and then earthed to the battery negative... Or am I on the wrong track?
Cheers,
Shirley..

[Shirley]

Oops Stubee doo,
Further inspection found exacly wehat you are talking about...!
Nasty mess of corroded terminals in a pair of blocks.
Spot on Stu, spot on....
A quick spray sourced the problem and a propper cleaning is scheduled for the morning.
I can imagine that there are many who have been caught by this little fault in design.
What a place to put sensitive electricals..????
Might have to rethink this one and re route the cables if possible.
Thanks heaps Stu, you are a legend.
Cheers,
Shirley...

[Hoges]

HINT: manouevre the overflow pipe under the expansion tank into a small (150ml) drink bottle. It won't stay up straight, just leave it resting on the pipe at a slant... but it will stay put, and contain the occasional overflow and then suck back into the expansion tank... no more corrosion...

[Shirley]

I'll give it a go darls..
Thank you...

Shirley.

[wayneg]

HINT: manouevre the overflow pipe under the expansion tank into a small (150ml) drink bottle. It won't stay up straight, just leave it resting on the pipe at a slant... but it will stay put, and contain the occasional overflow and then suck back into the expansion tank... no more corrosion...
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I think a slightly better idea would be to buy 1/2 metre of hose and remove the short overflow pipe from the filler neck of the expansion tank and connect new hose and route it down so any overflow goes down to the ground and away from anywhere it can cause corrosion. ( just my thoughts as that's what I have done)`

[Shirley]

All input is good...
Thanks Wayne.