water temperature 440 1.8si

[vicpool]

Has anyone experienced a problem like this?
After starting from cold after about 2 miles the temperature gauge settles at the usual half way mark, then a short while later the needle climbs rapidly into the danger zone even setting the warning light on! Most disturbing!
After about half a mile the needle then quickly returns to normal and stays rock solid ever after. There is no sign of boiling or electric fan cutting in and no harm done. The thermostat is quite a new one. I suspect either that, or I think most likely the temperature sender is faulty. The fault is absolutely consistent. Any suggestions out there?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by vicpool

The thermostat is quite a new one.

Has it been installed correctly?
If there's a wobble bleed valve on it, it must be at the top or if your old one had a valve the new one must too.
As soon as the needle next climbs past halfway, carefully check your radiator top hose. It should be too hot to hold because 90°C coolant should be running through it so if you can hold it or it isn't hot all the way round, your thermostat is the cause.

[Anadinolin]

Sounds like air in your system, while the engine is running, turn the heater up to the hottest setting in the car, get out and massage the top radiator hose, give it a good squeezing several times....sorts out most airlock problems. If it persists, I would investigate temperature sender on the back of the block - single spade terminal with a brownish wire.

Check for hot air from the blower
Check that your radiator fan does work aswell and kicks in when it should

[jeff t]

You have got the dreaded temp gauge fault, search through old posts and you will find what to do