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What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? - Car Talk - Nairaland

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What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 12:28am On Nov 07, 2012
I'm starting this thread, as there seem to be quite a few misconception as to what coolant temperatures should be. What is too high, or too low? When should one be concerned with coolant temperature readings?

This thread should serve to educate. It should also allow us all to compare notes, and put some concerns to bed.

Please, please keep to the laid-down format, no silly jokes, and don't deviate from the topic, otherwise the essence of this informative thread will be lost. This is all about sharing data. Let's keep the format like this:

Make:
Model:
Year:
Engine size:
Engine output (if known):
Transmission type:
Drive configuration:
Aircon:

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary:
Coolant temperature in dense traffic:
Coolant temperature at highway speeds:

Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary:
Coolant temperature in dense traffic:
Coolant temperature at highway speeds:

Please state if you're running coolant / water mix, or just plain water. The results we'll all get will be interesting, and will tell what is optimum, and what isn't.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 12:37am On Nov 07, 2012
Make: Audi.
Model: S8 Quattro.
Year: 2002.
Engine size: 4,2 V8 2 x DOHC 40V.
Engine output: 360 bhp.
Transmission type: 5-speed Tiptronic.
Drive configuration: AWD.
Aircon: Yes.

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 92 degrees.

Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 12:45am On Nov 07, 2012
Make: BMW.
Model: 120d M-Sport.
Year: 2008.
Engine size: 2,0 I4 DOHC 16V.
Engine output: 170 bhp.
Transmission type: 6-speed manual.
Drive configuration: RWD.
Aircon: Yes.

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 88 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 88 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 93 degrees.

Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 88 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 88 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 86 degrees celsius.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Souljaboi1: 1:32pm On Nov 07, 2012
With 372 views and no comment, but yours; and its on Front Page !!! cheesy

This show we don't really care what our coolant guage is. As far as the AirCon is working fine and everyone in the car is feeling cool; no problem.

Irrespective, I love your post on automobiles..

Keep up the good work.. smiley

1 Like

Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Born2beRich1(m): 1:41pm On Nov 07, 2012
I dont want to say that its a dumb question but common...... lipsrsealed
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 1:47pm On Nov 07, 2012
Born 2be Rich: I dont want to say that its a dumb question but common...... lipsrsealed

Go on, say it. Sometimes, it's good to think before passing comment. When thermostats are being removed from perfectly healthy engines in Nigeria left, right and centre, it's a very valid question. I've had emails from Nairalanders, who were worried because their temperature gauges were a bit over the halfway mark (approx. 94 degrees). Which is actually within the normal range.

So if you don't understand what a thread's about, then please for pete's sake, ask questions! It doesn't mean you're dumb, it means you're smart enough to realise you might just learn something from someone else.

7 Likes

Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Kashif(m): 2:50pm On Nov 07, 2012
I use coolant only. Is it wrong?
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 3:11pm On Nov 07, 2012
Kashif: I use coolant only. Is it wrong?

Neat coolant (concentrate) or ready mixed? Concentrated coolant is pretty thick, and needs to be mixed with 50% water. If it's ready mixed, it will already have the desires (or close to) 50:50 coolant / water mix. Obviously if you add ready mixed to water, it'll be over-diluted.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by akae47us(m): 3:42pm On Nov 07, 2012
Make: Acura.
Model: MDX.
Year: 2002.
Engine size: 3.5
Engine output:
Transmission type: 5-speed automatic
Drive configuration:
Aircon:

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.


Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 80 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 80 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 80 degrees celsius.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.





Make: Peugeot.
Model: 206.
Year: 2000.
Engine size: 1.8
Engine output:
Transmission type: 4-speed manual
Drive configuration:
Aircon:

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic(Morning & evening): Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic(Afternoon): High / 110 degrees celsius
Coolant temperature at highway speeds(Morning & evening): Midway / 90 degrees celsius:
Coolant temperature at highway speeds(Afternoon): High / 100 degrees. (it just keeps rising as i drive on in the afternoon under hot temperature almost to the red indicator. Always have to turn off the AC at some point)

Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway / 90 degrees celsius.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by vitality22(m): 4:35pm On Nov 07, 2012
@Siena,
how exactly do i know the temperature of my car? Mine stays at the centre all the time except after starting it in the morning. Even while the ac is on. Could you educate me pls. I use a Nissan xterra.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by olajay5: 4:40pm On Nov 07, 2012
Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla
Year: 2008
Engine size: 1.8ltr
Engine output (if known):
Transmission type: 4 speed automatic
Drive configuration:
Aircon: yes

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Rises above the midway particularly in the afternoon under hot temperature
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Rises above the midway particularly in the afternoon and reaches the red indicator. Always have to turn the AC off.

Aircon off:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Rises above the midway (Not sure of the degree celsius)

Coolant/water mix: Mixed but not sure of the percentage mix.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by ikeyman00(m): 4:58pm On Nov 07, 2012
@@@

nice thread!

but wait engineer Siena;

i think u might as well let us know when ur cooling fan tigers on cool

that bit is missing out oo

once again nice thread cool
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 5:04pm On Nov 07, 2012
vitality22: @Siena,
how exactly do i know the temperature of my car? Mine stays at the centre all the time except after starting it in the morning. Even while the ac is on. Could you educate me pls. I use a Nissan xterra.

Midway is approximately 87 - 94 degrees, so your temperature is well within range.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 5:08pm On Nov 07, 2012
ikeyman00: @@@

nice thread!

but wait engineer Siena;

i think u might as well let us know when ur cooling fan tigers on cool

that bit is missing out oo

once again nice thread cool

Long time bro, how's you and family? smiley

I left the fan out, as some cars will have mechanical fans. And some with electric fans are too quiet to hear whilst you're in the car. I definitely can't hear mine from inside the car (Audi S8). Only if I get out, and leave her idling. With my Beemer, it's mechanical.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by ikeyman00(m): 5:12pm On Nov 07, 2012
@@@@

Aircon on:

Coolant temperature stationary: Midway
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Rises above the midway particularly in the afternoon under hot temperature
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Rises above the midway particularly in the[b] afternoon and reaches the red indicator[/b]. Always have to turn the AC off.

this shouldn't be so! i guess there most be some culprit somewhere

a/c condenser ?

or the coolant has been in the radiator since the death of bin laden?

well the op should clear issues here as this is over heating in the baking lol
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by ikeyman00(m): 5:15pm On Nov 07, 2012
@@@@

siena
Long time bro, how's you and family?

I left the fan out, as some cars will have mechanical fans. And some with electric fans are too quiet to hear whilst you're in the car. I definitely can't hear mine from inside the car (Audi S8). Only if I get out, and leave her idling. With my Beemer, it's mechanical.
thanks
they fine; thank god oo; god pass dey lol
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Kashif(m): 5:32pm On Nov 07, 2012
Siena:

Neat coolant (concentrate) or ready mixed? Concentrated coolant is pretty thick, and needs to be mixed with 50% water. If it's ready mixed, it will already have the desires (or close to) 50:50 coolant / water mix. Obviously if you add ready mixed to water, it'll be over-diluted.

It is ready mixed - Total coolant. Thanks Siena.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by datola: 7:54pm On Nov 07, 2012
Let me go and check the car's dash for the info. I'll be back.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 8:02pm On Nov 07, 2012
Ok I havnt had the cause to change my coolant.I probably topped it up with water months ago.

The Dials on my temp guage don't have digits, but the needle is always 1/2 way on every condition.I havnt noticed it rise even in heavy traffic.

The only time I see it rise is from null to 1/2 at mornings when I strat up the engine.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 8:22pm On Nov 07, 2012
From the data received so far, it would appear everyone's running a thermostat. A couple of iffy results though.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 9:22pm On Nov 07, 2012
Make: Infiniti.
Model: M45.
Year: 2006.
Engine size: VK45 DOHC 32-valve.
Engine output: 335 hp @ 6,400 rpm.
Transmission type: 5-speed Tiptronic.
Drive configuration: RWD.
Aircon: Yes.
Aircon on:
Coolant temperature stationary: Midway .
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway.
Aircon off:
Coolant temperature stationary: Midway.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.

Make: Nissan.
Model: Maxima.
Year: 2006.
Engine size: VQ35DOHC.
Engine output: 265 @ 5,800 rpm.
Transmission type: 5-speed Tiptronic.
Drive configuration: FWD
Aircon: Yes.
Aircon on:
Coolant temperature stationary: Midway .
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway.
Aircon off:
Coolant temperature stationary: Midway.
Coolant temperature in dense traffic: Midway.
Coolant temperature at highway speeds: Midway.

Coolant / water 50/50 mix.
Siena what’s that about mechanical and electrical fans? I notice the a/c fan on the Maxima is noisier; it runs at a higher speed and trips off more intermittently—though I can’t recall if it was originally this way. I should state that I've had to change the a/c fan clutch of both cars.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by ikeyman00(m): 9:55pm On Nov 07, 2012
@@@

Ok I havnt had the cause to change my coolant.I probably topped it up with water months ago.

The Dials on my temp guage don't have digits, but the needle is always 1/2 way on every condition.I havnt noticed it rise even in heavy traffic.

The only time I see it rise is from null to 1/2 at mornings when I start up the engine.

i have to say your temp reading on your dashboard is the norm

the temp reading is usually in unit which u have to work out what each dial in the reading (with respect to what the middle value is) means in number;the same as ur fuel gauge
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by fckmn24seg(m): 4:49pm On Nov 09, 2012
what of vilkwagen bor?, i notice when it goes beyond 70 oc, irrespective of Ac being ON, it overheats and it has its thermostat intact with the fan working with the engine
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 7:03pm On Nov 09, 2012
fckmn24seg: what of vilkwagen bor?, i notice when it goes beyond 70 oc, irrespective of Ac being ON, it overheats and it has its thermostat intact with the fan working with the engine

Bro, I don't think you're getting it. 88 - 96 is the optimum temperature range for any engine to operate efficiently. There's nothing wrong with your car!!
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 7:04pm On Nov 09, 2012
And your fan operating constantly with the engine running, is not ideal.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by captalex(m): 3:41pm On Nov 10, 2012
hey siena,
Was driving yesterday and noticed my temperature gauge didnt even get to the halfway mark, even when I had the Ac on.
I had the thermostat removed when i installed the new double-cell radiator because the mechanic said it was causing the water in the radiator to boil too quickly. Does an under-cooled engine pose any risks and threats to the life span of the car.

A snapshot of my dashboard.

1 Like

Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 3:56pm On Nov 10, 2012
captalex: hey siena, Does an under-cooled engine pose any risks and threats to the life span of the car.

Yes. The thermostat is mandatory in any petrol or diesel automobile engine. Get it replaced, or watch your engine die a slow, but sure death.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by captalex(m): 12:59pm On Nov 12, 2012
Siena:

Yes. The thermostat is mandatory in any petrol or diesel automobile engine. Get it replaced, or watch your engine die a slow, but sure death.

Thanks siena, would do that.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by hollas2jnr(m): 1:42am On Nov 21, 2012
Oga Siena I have a Mazda 626 97/98 hatchback whose temperature reading sometimes doesn't quickly move from cold(C) to the mid-point, while sometimes it does. Does this mean anything?

Moreso, there's something in the engine the nigerian mechanics call engine switch... When plugged, the engine sounds kinda different and I think better to when unplugged cos when unplugged, I have to warm d car for some seconds before I could put on its AC but I don't have to when its plugged. Currently, I have concluded on keeping it permanently unplugged for later on, the car won't start (crank) until I unplug, start, and plug d switch back (not a morning start tho). I have been to quite a number of car mechanics for checkup and answers but no positive turnout. Pls help. I know almost nothing about cars.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by Nobody: 2:17am On Nov 21, 2012
hollas2jnr: Oga Siena I have a Mazda 626 97/98 hatchback whose temperature reading sometimes doesn't quickly move from cold(C) to the mid-point, while sometimes it does. Does this mean anything?

Moreso, there's something in the engine the nigerian mechanics call engine switch... When plugged, the engine sounds kinda different and I think better to when unplugged cos when unplugged, I have to warm d car for some seconds before I could put on its AC but I don't have to when its plugged. Currently, I have concluded on keeping it permanently unplugged for later on, the car won't start (crank) until I unplug, start, and plug d switch back (not a morning start tho). I have been to quite a number of car mechanics for checkup and answers but no positive turnout. Pls help. I know almost nothing about cars.

Sounds like a CTS (Coolant Temperature Switch). A picture would help.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by hollas2jnr(m): 2:23am On Nov 21, 2012
^^^ Okay, I'll get its photo uploaded later this morning, its 2am here. Thanks.
Re: What Does Your Coolant Gauge Read? by hollas2jnr(m): 7:59am On Nov 21, 2012
Oga Siena.. here's the photo pls.

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