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        General >> Problems >> Temp gauge dropped to zero!
        
(Message started by: cookie_boy2000 on Mar 20^th, 2005, 12:44pm)

Title: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by cookie_boy2000 on Mar 20^th, 2005, 12:44pm

Hi all
just added some rad seal to the coolant (I know, I know, but otherwise i've got to fork out £500 for a big job on it, so I thought i'd try this first). I let it go round the system and the temp gauge was sitting at half way, when it suddenly droppped to nothing. The engine carried on regardless with no discernable change to the sound it makes, but I turned it off and came in to ask the group if this is normal.

Going by a post i read it could be something to do with the rad seal doing something to the heater matrix. If this is the case, can someone suggest what I should do, as I am meant to be going out in in later today and don't want to screw my engine up!

Any suggestions???

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by SaveTheNight on Mar 20^th, 2005, 12:58pm

hiya ... radseal's poor reputation with Scorpio cooling systems has no bearing at all on the temp gauge .. it's purely from long term " blocking " of small bore cooling pipes ..and if it does block a heater radiator then it will cause bad circulation ..cold heater ..and eventually overheating ... maybe you saw the temp gauge drop as the thermostat opened ? .. anyway ..it isn't the radseal causing it ... cheers ....STN
as long as your water is topped up and your heater blows hot then it's safe to use ...

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by cookie_boy2000 on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 4:18am

Thanks for the advice, but i've noticed that the gauge gets to half way then once the engine warms up it drops to zero then moves about from the top to the bottom of the blue section on the gauge. I checked the rad when I got to my destination this morning and the rad is cold, although the pipes are hot.

I've got a bad feeling about this and would really like some guidance as to what i should do now...............

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by craig on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 5:35am

on 03/22/05 at 04:18:35, cookie_boy2000 wrote:

I've got a bad feeling about this and would really like some guidance as to what i should do now...............

bite the bullet and get a new radiator as in your first post..

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by cookie_boy2000 on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 1:02pm

The main problem isn't the radiator, it's a plate at the back of the engine that can't be reached without taking the head off/dropping the engine.

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by hybrid on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 2:33pm

I had a similar problem on my diesel scorp in that the temp gauge would rise to about half way then drop off competely. After a while it stopped rising at all, only rising sporadically once every week or so. It turned out to be just my temperature sensor. The radseal could just be a convenient coincidence. For the price of a sensor, its worth a look before splashing out on a new radiator.

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by Octavian_P on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 12:19am

from what i know about different "radiator seals" is that is just a temporary solution, just to get you going, after wich is recommanded to change cooling fluid and repair/change the radiator. In time this solution deposits on diferent components, thermostats, temperature sensors, hoses, etc, overheating the engine.

Title: Re: Temp gauge dropped to zero!
Post by LiverpaulH on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 12:41pm

Good point Hybrid, my temp sensor was gone on diesel scorp when I got it, temp guage didn't ever budge!!

Changed it and no probs since. (Touch Wood)

Paul