Water temperature not stable.

[tsteeves]

When I got my 535i e34 the stock temperature gauge was not working. After I lost some collant I replaced the busted clutch fan and hooked up a cheap temperature gauge. The car doesn't overheat after the new fan but the temperature will vary. If I'm going down a long hill using engine breaking the temperature can drop to 163-164. Thenwhen I start to floor it the temperature will rise almost to 188 sometimes. It usually averages out to about 180 though. Is it supposed to change this much?

Slightly confused, Tom

[JAlfredPrufrock]

That sounds like a reasonable variance although I haven't looked into it at all.

[Kalevera]

Sounds normal to me.


Best, whit

[liquidtiger720]

how do you know your water temp?


I guess you are talking about the temp needle...and you know the temps at each location?


Anyway...so its normal for the needle to move a little beyond and below center? I've noticed that mine is sometimes 1/2 -1 needle with over center, dead on, or 1/4 below center.

[632 Regal]

the stock gages are not instantanious like your cheap gage, the stocker has some sort of delay in it so that it dont jump all over and freak people out.

[Kalevera]

the stock gages are not instantanious like your cheap gage, the stocker has some sort of delay in it so that it dont jump all over and freak people out.
Exactly. The dash module has about 60 degrees F of buffer, from what I've been told. That's why the temp gauge SHOOTS up to red -- the engine doesn't instantaneously become red hot..it's been red hot and the gauge hasn't been reporting it until it realizes that it actually IS on fire. I've written about this subject before in various threads...


best, whit

[zygoteer]

I found these pix for an M30 engine some time back ... can't remember where tho ... maybe it was on 'gales e32' page ?

[tsteeves]

Thanks guys. Feel alot better now.