Thread: How do I diagnose a cooling issue?

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

the thermometer is to assess what temp the thermostat is opening at (if it opens) it will change when the thermostat opens if the thermometer is sensitive enough. (rapid change rate type sensitive not accurate to .000001 of a degree sensitive)

I was in a hurry when I typed in the reply, when the thermostat has opened (at 80-90 degrees usually you should be mid range on the guage.

I normally use a low temp oven gauge or a meat probe type temp gauge.

if youve got one a multimeter with a k probe will do.

I find that doing this sets the wife off lol

Check the operation of the viscous fan, be reving the engine then turning it off the fan should not continue to turn after about 2-3 revaluations any more and it needs attention

I just had the head gasket done on mine (231k) and that was $2200.

But don't rule out the earthing trouble. I suffered from that for yonks. Since about 200k I've had the viscous done, new core, and now head gasket. I figure it's not too unreasonable given the age of the car and the mileage but I'm still certain the temp gauge told me nothing about these things.

Thanks everyone I'll have a look a few of these things on the weekend.
Haven;t got ANY thermometer except the type that looks like it came off a boat and just looks good on the wall.