Checking the temp I am running at

pookster

Well-known member
The whole winter here in Utah the temp gauge in my 200 '65 mustang would warm up to just below midway between hot and cold. Then just recently the temp jumped up and was near the hot mark on the gauge. It never over heated. Then yesterday I started my car and it idled between 1 to 2 minutes and the gauge was dead center between cold and hot. Which is really fast time to warmup, to me, especially at an idle the whole time. I don't know if I can trust the temp gauge or not. My question is, how can I check the temp on my car? I am planning on replacing the thermostat just in case.
 
Install a more reliable, mechanical sender style, guage. Install the sensor in the t-stat housing.
 
go buy a good mechanical gauge. I ran mine right where the stock gauge was at. I didn't permenantly install mine. It had enough line to where I could put it through the floor and monitor.

DO NOT go by the gauge on the dash. It's good for relative temps once you know what temp center of the gauge is really equal too. even different TSU's will read differently.

As far as idle, that's usually when your car will heat up the fastest since it has the least amount of air flow across the radiator.

Slade
 
What is the difference between a mechanical and electrical gauge? Is the mechanical suppose to be better or more accurate or what?
Thanks
Mike
 
They are much more accurate than a stock gauge as you run a hard line from the engine to the gauge instead of an eletrical wire. You can pick one up for about $20 at almost any parts store. You can get accurate electric gauges, but they are a lot more expensive.
 
Yeah, you can use aftermarket electric gauges, but they are more expensive. If you plan to permenantly mount the temp gauge, then go electric, but for temporary use to check temps, go with the mechanical, just cheaper.

Slade
 
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