Hi guys! Well, new car -> new questions...

I'm wondering how much does your engine's temp gauge raise when driving quietly around town?
I'm thinking I have a pretty rich mixture (gotta take out those spark plugs and check'em), and my temp doesn't raise above 1/6 - 1/7... it stays like 2-3 mm from the bottom line. Is it normal when in traffic, with 70-80 degrees outside? (pretty hot down here in the caribbean)
Thx a lot!

 

Mine is VERY similar to that, with a replacement Mazda thermostat.

I'd rather it run there, than hot, but that's just me - I don't complain about it!

Remember that these gauges SUCK and are not accurate, so it's probably running at the proper temp anyway.

 

S4(86-88) year models are supposed to be at about 1/4 the way up at normal operating temp. S5(89-92) Models are supposed to be at around 1/2. But as Cloud said, our guages suck. Mine will go from 1/4 to 1/3 to 1/8 just driving normally around town. If you want to fix that kinda of problem, and actually have accurate readindgs, you'll have to go and buy an aftermarket guage.

 

It's normal.
If you're running a low-temp, modified, or no thermostat, that would explain it.


-Ted

 

yep sucks durring winter too but in the caribbean you dont' have to worry about that

Highest I get is usually 1/8 guage and takes forever to heat up (larger capacity and cooling efficiency)