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MG MGF Technical - Water temp gauge

The water temp gauge in my 98 F does not have any real values on it. Just markings from 6 to 12 o'clock. Typically the needle sits at 9 o'clock.

Do you know that temp this equates to? And

What is the temp increment with each graduation on the gauge.
Steve Ratledge

This equates to 'right', other reading this gauge can give are 'roastingly hot' and 'not warm yet'

I jest, but only slightly, the needle reaches this point and stops, even thought the temp changes between 88 to 100 in normal use (stopped in traffic). This effect I see much more because I have a diffrent car with a real gauge.

If the needle moves above this point then you have a real problem, which may be fan related (blown fuse, stuck fan) or more ominious.

If the needle moves below this point, except when first starting then you have a dodgey thermostat, or it's F-ing freezing and you have the Fan on hot and fast.
Will Munns

I have checked and there are 10 divisions on the gauge. The last one of which demotes the red zone. With a de-cat fitted mine sits at the 4th mark, whilst the oil sits at 90 deg.

Looking around I have noticed that often water temp gauges are rated 40-140 deg.

If the MGF gauge is rated at this, then each division would be 10 deg and my normal water temp would be 80 deg. With the red zone coresponding to 130 deg.

This sounds about right but I would have expected the red zone to about 120 deg max.

Does this sound about right to you engine experts?
Steve Ratledge

Will is absolutely correct.
The gauge is next to useless, and only displays the 3 readings that Will suggests.
If each division really was 10deg then you would expect some movement as the fan and thermostat operated - but this doesn't happen.
Steve

Is it still as inaccurate in the TF?
Steve Ratledge

Yep, ALL modern cars have gauges that are like this - it stops massive paronoia (re Lotus board, "is 1 Degree hoter a sign of impeding HGF")
Will Munns

As Will and Steve say, the temperature gauge is a gauge, not a scientific measuring instrument. It's only meant to tell you whether your car is cold/ warm/ too hot... Moreover, the needle movement is incredibly damped, so any fluctuations in temperature are never seen. As Will rightly points out, this reduces Driver paranoia!!! LOL
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 30/03/2004 and 31/03/2004

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