TD5 temp gauge reading cool, when engine hot?

**Giles** · 8th February 2013, 07:28 PM

my 2002 TD5 ~ the temperaure gauge often points to about 4 oclock instead of the usual 3 oclock when warmed up. It does not do it all the time, so I dont think it is the gauge. The engine is obviously hot. where does the temperature gauge get its reading from? I am concerned that my cooling system is not working properly. Most days I only travel 6 kms each way to work, I have a few minor seepages of red OAT coolant wherever hoses connect and usually add about 200 mls of coolant every 3 weeks or so.

I am also thinking of getting one of those engine saver temp sensors, that I have seen on one of the threads on here.

some times it will point to 4 oclock for 20 -30 mins and then just go to normal 3 oclock, and be okay for a few days.

Any pointers
Regards
Giles

**robbotd5** · 8th February 2013, 09:16 PM

Giles
The coolant temp sender is located where the top radiator hose goes into the head of the engine. Quite easy to identify. Your problem could be isolated to the gauge or the sender. Yes, the TM2/low coolant alarm is a wise investment.
Regards
Robbo

**djam1** · 8th February 2013, 11:38 PM

A 2002 TD5 is likely to have plastic head dowels if it hasn't had a head job.
If its loosing coolant and pressurizing the cooling system it might be time
This should be the worst case hopefully its something more simple

Sorry I misread your thread I thought it was overheating they usually need a head gasket at 170-200 thousand

**Mattblack59bus** · 9th February 2013, 08:31 AM

My 2003 D2 does a similar thing 3 o'clock most of the time, then 4 o'clock for a short time then back to 3 o'clock, but after a 30+ minute drive it stays at 3 o'clock, ( 27 degrees ambient, overcast, mixed driving, stop start highway and town driving).

Looking at the nanocom digital readout (yes from the same coolant sensor) it would appear to drop to 4 o'clock when the digital temperature is about 68-69 degrees, and then goes back to 3 o'clock when it hits 71-72 degrees.

I'm not sure if these are normal temperatures for the driving I was doing, or if the temp sender is reading low, but I'm going to install an madman EMS2 in the next week or two and i'll be able to see.

Cheers
Marc

**trev** · 9th February 2013, 08:44 PM

Possibly thermostat stuck open.it can account for such behaviour.
Your low temp readings on nanocome might also suggest this.

Trev.

**superquag** · 9th February 2013, 09:24 PM

Wot 'e sed... Engine saver.

**OffTrack** · 10th February 2013, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by trev

Possibly thermostat stuck open.it can account for such behaviour.
Your low temp readings on nanocome might also suggest this.

Trev.

I concur. The thermostat shouldn't even open until coolant goes above 82C, so anything below that once warmed up suggests a thermostat problem.

**Mattblack59bus** · 11th February 2013, 06:25 AM

I guess i'll be buying a thermostat too, hopefully MR automotive keep the genuine ones in stock and I can get one today.

Not looking forward to these jesus clamps....

Cheers
Marc

**OffTrack** · 11th February 2013, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mattblack59bus

I guess i'll be buying a thermostat too, hopefully MR automotive keep the genuine ones in stock and I can get one today.

Not looking forward to these jesus clamps....

Cheers
Marc

Grab yourself a pair of hose clamp pliers that fit those clips. It turns clamp hell into "so, what's all the fuss?". The one I have locks with the clamp open. You move the clamp into position and push the locking lever to release and the job is done. You'll wonder why you bothered fighting with pliers!

Cheers
Paul

**mools** · 11th February 2013, 08:30 PM

Obviously you cant beat the correct tool but I find vice grips are good for the hose clamps as you can lock them. I only usually remove those clamps though, I try and have replacement jubilee clips ready for fitting things back together.

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