[89LCoupe]

Hey all. I just noticed my temp gauge goes straight up to very high when I switch the car on, and stays up there whilst driving. Car only went 100 metres and the block is cool to the touch, any idea what might be causing this?
any help appreciated

r

 

[Mckenzie93]

I had a similar scare last summer with my 91 sedan. After driving about 2.5 minutes, the guage went right to the top. I freaked right out and thought my block was going to melt.... but I was on the highway and could not pull over.

After about 2 weeks, I fond that it was a short some where in the guage cluster.


But unless you have no oil or no antifreeze in your block, there is no way the engine can get that hot that fast. Try and bang around on the top of the guage cluster or the dash and see if it moves around att all. Try slamming the hood, seeing if it jumps. Check your antifreeze levels, and your overflow tank to make sure its not boiling over. Any more Q?s just post.

 

[NickD]

But unless you have no oil or no antifreeze in your block, there is no way the engine can get that hot that fast. Try and bang around on the top of the guage cluster or the dash and see if it moves around att all. Try slamming the hood, seeing if it jumps. Check your antifreeze levels, and your overflow tank to make sure its not boiling over. Any more Q?s just post.

Actually if you get a trapped steam pocket right on the thermostat it will raise that fast.

 

[Mckenzie93]

hmmmmm.... not to doubt you but is steam the same sort of thing as air in the system... like in the failing HG G2's?

 

[SoCal92LSCoupe]

It could be a faulty temp sensor. Same thing happened to me last week and I got it replaced for $25. No more problems.

Or it could be your temp gauge.

 

[NickD]

hmmmmm.... not to doubt you but is steam the same sort of thing as air in the system... like in the failing HG G2's?

It is. But I don't think he has a blown headgasket.

 

[Mckenzie93]

I dont think so either. I would suspect guage problem, or faulty temp sending unit.

 

[sleeprlegendcp]

After I got my car back from the body shop it would overheat. It mainly did it while sitting still, but it was like yours it climbed really fast. I took it in to my mechanic, but they couldn't find any problems. Once the learned that the entire cooling system had just been replaced a light bulb went off. The head mechanic said that an air pocket in the system can cause this problem. He said it would work its way out after a week or so. Sure eneough after about 3 weeks total of the car over heating it stoped. I have never had a problem since. Now, I have no clue how the air could get into a system that hasnt been worked on, but this is just an idea.
Later!
Lee

 

[89LCoupe]

did I clean it to death

I just did a major (anal) clean of the engine bay - I was careful to bag and gaffer tape the sensitive parts, but is it possible I wet the temp sensor, shorted it and now its toast?
Is there any chance it will 'dry out' - I haven't really gotten the car up to temperature since it's been degreased?

thanks for all your comments guys, i appreciate it.

r