I replaced the old thermostat with a new 185 degree thermostat when I replaced the water pump. The gauge only gets barely past half way (155) to around 165-170. Cool is good, but doesn’t / shouldn’t the gauge temp reflect the thermostat? The only time the temp gauge goes up is when I’m stuck in traffic. Once it gets going (air flowing through the radiator!) , the temp goes back down. Is the gauge suspect, typically unreliable, temp sending unit, e-fan, or ____________???
Thanks
goodyoleboy

 

p.s. I also replaced the fan clutch.

goodyoleboy

 

Your 96 is a mix year...some late 96 have switched to 1 temp sensor in the thermostat housing. It drives the computer and the computer drives he gauge. Early 96 have a separate gauge sensor near the back of the head drivers side.its small and just sticks out next to the valve cover. It only drives the gauge. Do you know if you have obd2 or obd1. Simple test, when warm, disconnect sensor at thermostat , start engine. If reading about where it was then you have the aux sensor at back of head. If reading low then that one gauge reads everything

 

Mine is 11/96 with OBD II.


Thanks
goodyoleboy

 

Sure enough, it has the separate sensor on the back of the head.

So, . . . replace the sensor or __________???

Thanks

goodyoleboy

 

So what was it doing before you changed the thermostat?
And did you replace it with an OEM.

The thermostat is about the only thing I ever bought through the dealership.

 

And use Vegemite as a gasket sealer?

 

Nope, Permatex.

I had just bought it weeks before and had a friend drive it home so I don't have a recollection I just changed it ( Gates) along with the water pump, belts, hoses, fan clutch, and everything else while I had it apart.

goodyoleboy

 

LOL. Roler is from down under. Aussie.

Here's what Vegemite really is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite

 

Clarify earlier reply.

Radiator cap was Gates. Thermostat, I cannot recall, but I avoid cheapo whenever possible.

goodyoleboy

 

Your simplest test is if you have an obd2 reader that can display engine data. If not your local parts shop may offer free code or data readings. With the engine at operating temp...read the coolant temp, that will be the computer feed from the thermostat sensor. If its the same as your gauge then you are running cool. If thats reading normal then your gauge sensor or wiring or cluster gauge is bad..higher resistance means lower temps displayed

 

LOL I totally missed this post.
Not the first time you confused people with the ol' vegemite advice, Cruiser. That said, it does double for a lot of automotive lubes and greases if need be. Probably fixes death wobble too.

 

and yeah, got that through the same dealership😆

 

It reminds me of Permatex #2 actually. Doesn't taste as good as Permatex though.

 

depends how far gone one is