Temp gauge help!

[BLKWDW]

Hey all ive noticed since i have owned my gq the temp gauge rarely gets anywhere near even a 1/4 on the gauge. How can i test if the gauge is faulty or is it more likely to be the temp sensor because i'm guessing the gauge should be reading about half in normal operating temperature yes? I do notice every now and then whilst crawling slowly or stationary that the revs rise for a bit then fall would this be the fan kicking in cos the temp is up high?

Also my brother has a shorty mav with factory diff lock but it doesnt work. What are the common faults with these to look for my 1st guess would be the solonoid yes?

[97_gq_lwb]

Might be that some clueless has removed the thermostat.
If that is the case buy a genuine replacement as the aftermarket ones are troublesome.

As for the diff lock check for vacuum at the solenoid on the diff with the engine running when you switch it on.

[patch697]

X2 on the post above & keep in mind that Patrol Temp gauges are as reliable as public transport, most of us have gone the road of an after market temp & oil pressure gauge for more reliability.

[BLKWDW]

Do the new gauges come with fitting instructions?Even if it is just a thermostat after hearing that mite get aftermarket gauges anyways,

[patch697]

Do the new gauges come with fitting instructions?Even if it is just a thermostat after hearing that mite get aftermarket gauges anyways,

Basic fitting instruction will be provided with the gauge of your choice but I would get some help from a mate if your a little apprehensive about fitting one yourself.

A new thermostat should set you back around $55 to $65 depending on the supplier, these are fairly straight forward to replace & a wise investment.

TIP.

If your going to replace the thermostat yourself? be sure all surfaces are clean before refitting your replacement & pay special attention to the location groove the thermostat sits in, in the main housing. This will avoid you cracking the top housing when refitting & help prevent any leakage.

[Flo-w]

Just adding to the "they break easily" counter. Mine's gone as well.
My mechanic tells me it's the sensor and that temp sensor and oil pressure sensore are one unit costing somewhere between 200-250$.

Signs: oil pressure gauge is at max, temp gauge is at min. Sometimes the oil warning comes on.

[97_gq_lwb]

The oil pressure senders on a gq are seperate to the temperature sender.

They have two circuits one is a switch to ground for the warning light the other is a variable ground resistance for the gauge.
Quite often the sender gets blocked with crud take it off spray though the small hole with degreaser and drain it a few times.
Or you can drill the hole out slightly larger wich can fix the issue on them as well but watch the depth.
If that fails to fix it replace it.

[Flo-w]

Thanks 97_gq_lwb. Maybe I should find a new mechanic...

[mudnut]

Before you fit the new thermostat, check it opens in a pot of boiling water. Had one once that nearly cooked the engine, although it wasn't a genuine unit.

[taslucas]

The oil pressure senders on a gq are seperate to the temperature sender.

They have two circuits one is a switch to ground for the warning light the other is a variable ground resistance for the gauge.
Quite often the sender gets blocked with crud take it off spray though the small hole with degreaser and drain it a few times.
Or you can drill the hole out slightly larger wich can fix the issue on them as well but watch the depth.
If that fails to fix it replace it.

That's some handy info there.
Slightly off topic: My temp seems to work fine but my oil pressure is dodgy. Can this be cleaned?

Tap, crackle, pop

[97_gq_lwb]

Yes if it is the sender try the above trick it has worked for me numerous times.
And a funny thing is they usually play up after oil changes sometimes the pressure is all over the place other times the warning light stays on or it can swap lol.

[taslucas]

Cheers mate. Mine generally sits low but sometimes it rises with the revs i.e: 1000 rpm it will be on 1, 2000 rpm it will be on 2, 3000 rpm it will be on 3.....

Tap, crackle, pop

[97_gq_lwb]

Yeah on the tb42 they do seem to run pretty low at idle anyway.

[taslucas]

Sweet. Well it's got enough pressure to squeeze out a couple of drops past the rear main seal lol

Tap, crackle, pop

[Damo_80]

Yeah good one taslucas, mines the same! However im sure iv read somewhere on here that if it shows some type of pressure at all your good to go lol. I think aftermarket is definitely the way to go.