Thread: Disco 1 V8 Temp Gauge Markings.

The rule of thumb here is that IF the gauge starts to show high temps it is usually too late.
The top of the white zone is already too hot

I read somewhere that when the temp gauge initially starts moving, its around 105 degrees (but don’t quote me on that), which is getting very warm. If you miss that and the gauge goes way up then bad things can happen. Ask me how I know. On a positive note the after market VDO temp gauge I ordered arrived only a day or two after I cooked the head - which was nice, but I had ordered the gauge 2 weeks before that.....

Don’t rely on the standard gauge. As others have said once it starts to move it is already hot.
Fit a mechanical VDO and/or and additional system for peace of mind.

You've got two choices as I see it. Get and fit another gauge, or prepare to get and fit another engine.
Never, ever, ever, ever trust the factory gauge!
IMHO that gauge has done more to enhance the LR unreliability myth than any other item in 70 years!

If it moves you're already in trouble.

Originally Posted by LRpete

Hi I have searched many posts but can't find an answer to my query.

On the factory temp gauge for a 97 Disco 1 V8, what is the expected temp at the white mark towards the top of the gauge? I Have read that the needle sits near halfway for a range of temps, but once it moves up past half way how hot is it at that top white mark, but not yet in the red zone.

.....

As you can see from the range of answers given already ... I don't think anyone really knows. And that's not due to ignorance on our part, it's more to do with the fact that the answer is too variable to give a correct one!

I've really only seen my gauge hit the white mark at the red zone a few times when I've stuffed the bleed sequence. Coolant temps as I remember were only in the mid to high 90's tho .. definitely not over 100, according to my aftermarket temp gauge.
But I've had coolant temperatures at 103° but the dash gauge didn't budge from it's half way mark!

So to answer the question of what expected temp at the red zone .. your guess is as good as any other!
I'd say expect 110°C or more from what I've seen.

Ok thanks for all the feedback. I think AK83 has summed things up. I certainly will be getting a new aftermarket temp gauge as recommended.

Wouldn't it be very ironic if the factory sensors and gauge were adversely effected by heat.

I fit one of these to each of my cars - sounds an audible beeping alarm when temp of the block hits 94C then continuous alarm at 98C. Can also switch on/off a thermo fan at whatever temps you program in.

www.carsensors.com/Engine_Guardian.html