Question about temperature gauge

[JJfierce]

I recently installed a new thermostat and a coolant temperature gauge sensor after my ‘84 started having some overheating problems. Everything seems to be running okay now, but I noticed my gauge seems to stay at 3/4 now, where before it would sit in the middle right on the LED. Is this something to be concerned about or is it normal?

[DanHoug]

put the old sensor back in. if the gauge returns to 'normal' you know the replacement sensor is off spec. if the gauge remains in the same place, you know the new thermostat is running hotter.
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-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[oceanair]

My new sensor was off, so I got another and it was off too. Then I adjusted it with a GoWesty kit after I was assured of the temp.
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84 Vanagon Pop Top Conversion from Tin Top, 1970 Ghia - all sweet rides! Love em!
Previous: Green 72 Tin Top, White 72 Westy, Blue 64 Beetle, Yellow 71 Squareback, 2014 Jetta TDI Wagon - wish I could have them all back!

[dobryan]

Good work.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[SurfaceRust]

New sensors read different. You should get something like the GoWesty temp gauge calibration kit to calibrate your temperature gauge.

If I remember correctly you install the variable resistor inline with your temp gauge and start the van. You let it run until the radiator fan kicks on. Then you adjust the resistor until its at about 3/4 on the gauge. That is it to the calibration.

[blackglasspirate]

Echoing what others have said, the new sensors are way off. My van originally had the round style plug for the gauge sensor and all the aftermarket ones read way high. In the end I got an official square plug sensor from VW and snipped a pigtail off a junkyard cabriolet to splice in. Works great now.
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[ddowsett]

Could this same issue result in NO MOVEMENT OF GAUGE at all?

I suspect I have a new wiring/electrical problem.

The thermostat housing cracked where temperature sensor is inserted. That caused the temperature sensor and most of my coolant to erupt all over the driveway. I replaced upper and lower thermostat housing with aluminum from GoWesty, new thermostat (tested in boiling water) and new temp sensor.

Coolant added, system bled, no leaks found.

All seemed good but then noticed that my temp gauge now doesn't move at all.

Any thoughts for possible causes? GoWesty does not think the $6.95 new temp sensor is at fault as that does not usually fail. So may just be coincidence that something electrical happened at the same time.

Thanks in advance!
Denise

[ddowsett]

Could this same issue result in NO MOVEMENT OF GAUGE at all?

I suspect I have a new wiring/electrical problem.

The thermostat housing cracked where temperature sensor is inserted. That caused the temperature sensor and most of my coolant to erupt all over the driveway. I replaced upper and lower thermostat housing with aluminum from GoWesty, new thermostat (tested in boiling water) and new temp sensor.

Coolant added, system bled, no leaks found.

All seemed good but then noticed that my temp gauge now doesn't move at all.

Any thoughts for possible causes? GoWesty does not think the $6.95 new temp sensor is at fault as that does not usually fail. So may just be coincidence that something electrical happened at the same time.

Thanks in advance!
Denise

[skills@eurocarsplus]

take the terminal off the sender and put it direct to ground. should peg the gauge out.

if it doesn't, you have a electrical problem. (you need to have the key on to do this)
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[ddowsett]

Thanks a lot for the fast reply!