Temp Gauge

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   Hi, just bought a SA T3,1993 2.5 Microbus with camper conversion. Dashboard was in a bit of a state, main connector on flexible printed circuit was broken and tracks damaged, so have fitted complete assembly from my broken 1.9DG van (with SA switches). Everything is working but the temp gauge is reading high, three quarters to max when warmed up and fan cutting in. Original dash was with rev counter but now have analogue clock type, will this make a difference? Is the voltage regulator different? Gauge was reading correctly (needle over led) on other van and SA gauge was also reading correctly. Not sure if fuel gauge is reading correctly, could be high though.
Thanks

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marlinowner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 14 Location: Scottish Border Status: Offline Points: 33	Post Options Post Reply Quote marlinowner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Temp Gauge Posted: 18 Mar 14 at 17:36
	Hi, just bought a SA T3,1993 2.5 Microbus with camper conversion. Dashboard was in a bit of a state, main connector on flexible printed circuit was broken and tracks damaged, so have fitted complete assembly from my broken 1.9DG van (with SA switches). Everything is working but the temp gauge is reading high, three quarters to max when warmed up and fan cutting in. Original dash was with rev counter but now have analogue clock type, will this make a difference? Is the voltage regulator different? Gauge was reading correctly (needle over led) on other van and SA gauge was also reading correctly. Not sure if fuel gauge is reading correctly, could be high though. Thanks

TransPorscher Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vanorak Joined: 21 Dec 04 Location: South West UK Status: Offline Points: 1350	Post Options Post Reply Quote TransPorscher Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Mar 14 at 17:10
	Being a "gauge" it only shows a "relative" temperature. There isn't a "correct" place for it to sit. All of my vans over the years have been different (wbx & 5cyl). It's obvious when it raises from it's normal running position and the red light light will flash under fault conditions during normal driving etc. As with any instrument or gauge it can be calibrated but this isn't needed. If your bus isn't overheating and the cooling system is fault free why worry about it ? I think 80-90 wiki & The Samba have more details on this subject. PM me about rebuilt gauges if you like. Edited by TransPorscher - 20 Mar 14 at 17:12
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marlinowner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 14 Location: Scottish Border Status: Offline Points: 33	Post Options Post Reply Quote marlinowner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 Mar 14 at 17:30
	Thanks for that, it was a bit confusing because the warning light was flashing after a period of driving which made me wonder if it was because the gauge was reading high (fan wasn't cutting in), but it turned out to be a bad connection on the level sensor, so now I'm happy for the gauge to read as it does.

TransPorscher Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vanorak Joined: 21 Dec 04 Location: South West UK Status: Offline Points: 1350	Post Options Post Reply Quote TransPorscher Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Mar 14 at 20:23
	It is a pain !! I'm sure we've all driven our vans with the light flashing knowing the cooling system is fault free, but also thinking it might not be !!! If it happens again in the future & you know all else is 100% it'll be the gauge.It's probably the most complex & misunderstood circuit in the T3, my last 2.5 went to my brother & he set the circuit up ( including header tank) on a test bench to properly understand it, was very interesting to see & learn !!! I also recommend a new good quality thermostat & check the thermostat alloy housing for pitting/corrosion.
	Charlie Small Moves Big Grooves! WeFunkRadio.com