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JJfierce Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2020 Posts: 69 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 2:30 pm Post subject: Question about temperature gauge |
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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?
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DanHoug Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016 Posts: 4799 Location: Bemidji, MN
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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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. _________________ -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 |
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oceanair Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2013 Posts: 720 Location: Victoria, BC
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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 4:43 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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. _________________ 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! |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16505 Location: Brookeville, MD
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SurfaceRust Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016 Posts: 160 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 11:41 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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. |
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blackglasspirate Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2006 Posts: 1612
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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 2:43 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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. _________________ '87 Vanagon GL Westfalia
IG: @holidayatsee
FB: https://www.facebook.com/holidayatsee |
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ddowsett Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2020 Posts: 10 Location: CA
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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 |
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ddowsett Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2020 Posts: 10 Location: CA
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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 |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16881 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 2:34 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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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) _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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ddowsett Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2020 Posts: 10 Location: CA
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 2:36 pm Post subject: Re: Question about temperature gauge |
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Thanks a lot for the fast reply! |
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