coolant temp

[jordizr1]

Hi I am new to the Lotus Elan (exactly 2 days old), one of the things I have noticed is that the temp gauge reads extremely low for my taste, it will only climb to just over 1/4 of the scale when in traffic, and just under the 1/4 when at cruising speeds, Is this normal or should I begin checking sensors or thermostat?

[Sy V]

J

Sounds normal. Run the car on tickover and eventually the needle will climb to 3/4s. Shortly after this the radiator cooling fans should kick in.
If they don't, then suspect a problem.

[Nige]

Hi, and welcome. Temp gauge reading 1/4 or slightly less under normal driving conditions is absolutely normal.

If you are sat in stationary traffic it should climb to about 3/4 and then the electric cooling fans cut in, it drops to about 1/2 the fans go off, it then starts to climb again, you get the picture I'm sure! It6 takes quite a while for the temperature to rise to 3/4 so you may not have seen this in 2 days.

[jordizr1]

thanks, the last 2 days have been very bad (bad weather) here, and I have been able to test the extraordinary weather-isolation capabilities of the Elan convertible roof
I was only able to keep driving with a snorkel

I am used to that, I am a 10-year corvette owner and they usually leak (not a s much I would say), it seems that I will enjoy the Elan more under the spanish sun when spring comes.