temp reading problem (normal/abnormal)

[kinyo]

afaik, the normal stable temperature gauge readout is less than 1/2 ... it is more like just above 1/3 ... this is true for all the cars we had ... EG Civic 95, City 99, Starex 2002, and the latest is Captiva CRDI ... and yes, the gauge practically do not move as soon as normal temperature is reached, regardless of driving conditions and outside temperature (here in P.I.)

I'd be worried if I see the gauge read above 1/2 ... the TS problem on Civic could be the temperature sensor, as this I had replaced on the EG Civic but the temperature gauge was reading lower than normal (instead of higher as TS sees) ... the sensor is essentially a thermistor and could change its characteristic curve over time

The Civic, as all tranverse engine FWD cars, do not have clutch fan. The radiator fan is driven directly by a motor, where power is applied when the thermal switch is activated. One common problem for old cars is worn carbon brush of the motor, where the motor runs but not at full power, causing the engine temperature (as shown by gauge) to rise and dip, depending on driving conditions.

[glenngj]

your temperature gauge will remain constant when it reaches the normal temperature. If it rises when in highway like nlex, something might be wrong with your clutch fan that is the silicone oil is not enought or dried out. What you need to do is filled your clutch fan with one or two tubes of silicone oil. You can check ur clutch fan by rotating it if it offer some resistance or rotating freely. If it rotates freely that means you lack silicone oil.
especially when traveling in highway when the clutch fan lack silicone oil it will just rotate because of the strong wind and not functioning as it used to be to blow the cool air into radiator fins.

what do you mean of clutch fan? where can i see it? i only have radiator and condenser fan..

[glenngj]

afaik, the normal stable temperature gauge readout is less than 1/2 ... it is more like just above 1/3 ... this is true for all the cars we had ... EG Civic 95, City 99, Starex 2002, and the latest is Captiva CRDI ... and yes, the gauge practically do not move as soon as normal temperature is reached, regardless of driving conditions and outside temperature (here in P.I.)

I'd be worried if I see the gauge read above 1/2 ... the TS problem on Civic could be the temperature sensor, as this I had replaced on the EG Civic but the temperature gauge was reading lower than normal (instead of higher as TS sees) ... the sensor is essentially a thermistor and could change its characteristic curve over time

The Civic, as all tranverse engine FWD cars, do not have clutch fan. The radiator fan is driven directly by a motor, where power is applied when the thermal switch is activated. One common problem for old cars is worn carbon brush of the motor, where the motor runs but not at full power, causing the engine temperature (as shown by gauge) to rise and dip, depending on driving conditions.

as you mention, the normal temperature gauge readout is less than 1/2 or 1/3 above. mine readout is above 1/2 or one line above, and its firm there. i already replaced my temp sensor as this might be the problem.. still under observation as i ran only from manila to alabang area..

[kurby]

I think i shoulp post the problem of our corolla XL 1994 model...

We usually drive it in the city (las pinas to any point of Metro manila) and we never had over heats or abnormal temperature readings.

However, when we drive to provinces e.g. tagaytay, alfonso or subic with speeds of 100kph and above the temp (based on the gauge) rises and shift into neutral and shift back to 5th gear the temp gauge lowers back to normal level.

Driving with speeds of 100kph++ could not be sustained because of this abnormal rise in temp. I'm wondering what's wrong because usually driving at these speeds lowers the temp somehow because of the wind.

What could be the problem with this 1?

Thanks!

[CivicVTi]

*kurby

My bet would be a clogged radiator that needs cleaning. Then top up with coolant and you're good to go. If the symptoms persist your engine may need checking into (timing issues etc).