What's wrong with my temp gauge?

I've just ordered a VDO mechanical guage from Autobarn but in the meantime I borrowed an infrared thermometer from a mate. What a bloody marvellous thing that is. I was able to confirm very quickly that while the standard guage was reading almost in the red, both the infrared thermometer and the TM2 engine watchdog indicated that at the bottom thermostat bolt the temperature was 77C. At the back of the block the temp was 86C.
So I know at least I can keep driving it now and just ignore the standard guage. It makes me pleased that I have the TM2 as a reliable backup.

To round out this thread: I fitted the VDO mechanical guage (thanks again to Rick for the part number). On a half hour run up the highway it never went above about 82C :D. So I have peace of mind again. And I would recommend to anyone to replace their standard guage with one of these.

It also helps to have a really clever mate around on these jobs, in case anything goes wrong.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnno1969

It also helps to have a really clever mate around on these jobs, in case anything goes wrong.

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And some patience.

had similar problem with my defender - it ended up being the headlights. Don't exactly know how but when i replaced the loom and lamps the problem disappeared.
Scoota