There’s one main advantage to a mechanical gauge-it requires no electricity (save for an optional backlight so you can see it at night). Pros & Cons of a Mechanical Coolant Temperature Gauge Note the black capillary tube that’s permanently attached to the back and the metallic probe on the other end that threads into your engine. The tube connects to the gauge and, on the other end, it terminates in a threaded probe that installs into your engine’s water jacket or other cooling passage.Īs the engine heats up and cools down, the gas reacts, then the gauge’s internal mechanism interprets the changes in pressure to deliver a temperature reading. That tube contains a gas/fluid that expands and contracts as the temperature inside the tube changes. Look at the back of a mechanical temperature gauge and you’ll likely see a sealed tube permanently attached to the back of it. It’s based on a design called a “ Bourdon Gauge,” but we’ll skip a lengthy scientific discussion on how it all works and just give you the basics. (Image/OnAllCylinders)įor starters, a mechanical water temperature gauge is technically a pressure gauge that detects changes in pressure related to the way a gas reacts to temperature fluctuations. How Does a Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge Work? Here’s the mechanical gauge we’re testing in this demonstration-it’s a well-used unit from an old Summit Racing gauge kit that’s been installed in a handful of different projects and is still going strong. Contact YourMechanic and have your car inspected for overheating if it reads too high, as this can cause serious problems.A little while ago, we quickly alluded to the difference between mechanical and electrical coolant temperature gauges in a post about troubleshooting a radiator.īut this topic deserves a little more attention and we also thought it’d be helpful to show you how to test your electrical and mechanical coolant temperature gauges too. The temperature gauge is an important tool in your vehicle that shows the temperature of your engine’s coolant. Cars are especially susceptible to overheating in hot climates, like what's common in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Atlanta. Once the vehicle has cooled, take the car to a mechanic right away so they can diagnose the problem. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot – coolant can spray and burn you. If this still doesn't work, pull over on the side of the road, turn off the engine, open the hood carefully, and wait until the vehicle cools down. If this does not reduce the overheating, turn on the heater as high as it can go. If your car starts to overheat, shut off the air conditioner and open the windows immediately. This is a very serious matter and you should never drive an overheating car. If your temperature gauge is reading high, it means your car is overheating. What to Do If Your Temperature Gauge is High If this is the case, the thermostat may need to be replaced. With the thermostat stuck open, the engine can be overcooled, causing a low temperature reading. Another reason the temperature gauge could read cold is if the thermostat in the vehicle stays open. If the temperature gauge still reads cold after the engine has warmed up, the gauge may simply be broken. On most vehicles, the temperature gauge reads cold until the engine has run for a few minutes. If the water pump is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced by a professional. The last reason the temperature gauge could read high is because of a water pump, or water pump gasket failure. If this is the case, you may need a coolant temperature switch replacement. A third reason your temperature gauge reads high could be because the thermostat is broken. A small leak or evaporation may cause your radiator to slowly lose coolant. Another reason your reading might be high is you could be losing coolant. If the temperature gauge reads high, it could mean your engine is overheating. It is an important dial that is located on the dashboard of your vehicle. This gauge will tell you if your engine’s coolant is cold, normal, or overheating. The temperature gauge in your vehicle is designed to indicate the temperature of your engine’s coolant.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |