Temperature gauge query

[ShaunM]

I've noticed that the temperature gauge always stays very low (usually in the middle of the C). I've only had it come up to 50% after the 3 trip back home and then the fan kicked in after turning the engine off.

This is how it looks after driving for 20 miles at 60mph, and usually sits between here and the first (25%) notch.

If this isn't normal, where do I start with the checks?

Thanks in advance ...

[Enright]

It's normal.

[max and andy]

My temp needle only moves when im stuck in traffic and then only half way at most.and thats if im stopped if im moving and in heavy traffic it goes to the first notch.If im on motorway or fast A road it doesnt even move.Is this the norm? max&andy

[rip]

Most Elans sit at 1/4 on the gauge during normal driving. This should rise to about 3/4 before the fans are switched on.
This may sound extreme but I am told that the gauge itself is unusual in that there is very little temperature difference between these marks.

If you are concerned, then why not change your thermostat? It is inexpensive, easy to get to & you can do it with minimal coolant loss.
I have now decided that it will be a good idea to change my thermostat as routine maintenance whenever I change my coolant.

[max and andy]

Cheers Rip hope it is easy the last one i did was a mark 1 escort .doesnt seem to effect the running.The heater does seem to take a while to get really hot .Ive never got to the stage where its getting uncomfortable.The last time i was waiting 25mins for a car wash and i had to turn the temp down.Max&Andy

[ektrolleyboy]

My needle didn't even register on the move before I had it serviced. Now after a major service at Paul Matty the needle sits on average around a the quarter mark,. Even on the move... Three quarters when sat idling and the fan then kicks in.

[max and andy]

Its only been 1500 mile since my last service. Max&Ahdy

[rip]

Its only been 1500 mile since my last service. Max&Ahdy

Did that include a new thermostat?

[max and andy]

No

[nitroman]

The backside of the thermostat housing has this diamond-shaped mounting face for which I need to order the gasket from Rock Auto.

To amortize the shipping cost does anyone have good ideas about what other items I should consider getting from them at the same time?

[rip]

Its only been 1500 mile since my last service. Max&Ahdy

Did that include a new thermostat?

No

I think you've answered your own question.

New coolant is not an 'every service' job either.
Your 'stat may not be at fault, but is always the prime culprit if the temperature is not correct.

[donsladek]

The backside of the thermostat housing has this diamond-shaped mounting face for which I need to order the gasket from Rock Auto.

To amortize the shipping cost does anyone have good ideas about what other items I should consider getting from them at the same time?

Hi, Matt, do you have the part number/manufacturer for this gasket? In changing the thermostat, I snapped the head on one of the bolts, so i've removed the housing for "surgery", and will need a replacement gasket.

Thanks!

[nitroman]

The backside of the thermostat housing has this diamond-shaped mounting face for which I need to order the gasket from Rock Auto.

To amortize the shipping cost does anyone have good ideas about what other items I should consider getting from them at the same time?

Hi, Matt, do you have the part number/manufacturer for this gasket? In changing the thermostat, I snapped the head on one of the bolts, so i've removed the housing for "surgery", and will need a replacement gasket.

Thanks!

http://www.rockauto.com/
FEL-PRO 35452 Coolant Thermostat Gasket $ 1.22

...is how it appears on my invoice. Online it appears as DOHC Turbo engine; Thermostat Housing; Loc. Inner, and now lists at $1.35. 35452 is for the back of the housing where it mates to the big-hunk-of-engine-block. The actual "thermostat gasket" is FEL-PRO Part # 35364 DOHC Turbo engine; Thermostat Housing; Loc. Outer