Hi, i've just fixed my Escort's head gasket, thermostat, fan switch, o2 sensor and ECU temp sender and i think i may have a slight problem with my temp dial.

Ever since i've had the car, the needle starts way below the black region of the dial below the normal region. It does start to climb and indicate the temperature however. My problem is, i'm not sure whether the car is over heating because in this state, the radiator fan doesn't cut in until right at the very limit of the 'NORMAL' region on the dial. Right on the line where the normal bracket stops and the red, hot, region starts. It does cool the engine very well however! Is this normal for the cooling system?

Also, the fuel and temp dials stay at the positions they were in when you turn the engine off. Is this normal also?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Tim

The temp gauge should sit around the 'R' under normal driving conditions. As long as the fan cuts in before it gets into the red I wouldn't worry.

My fuel and temp gauge does exactly the same as yours.

I haven't driven it properly yet, she's been on ramps and stationary, but im gonna drive her in a sec. Normally when driving, the dial rests in about the middle, unless stationary....then it climbs!

If its just sitting on the ramp not going anywhere then its going to get hotter than with some fresh air getting through it.

yeah, was just concerned about the point that the fan cuts in. I suppose if it's not going in to the red then its fine, but i'm just a bit uncomfortable about how hot it gets before cutting in. Probably wont cut in at all whilst i'm driving in that case.

Everything sounds very normal chap.

I wouldn't worry, just get out and enjoy the legend that is the Escort

thanks guys! and i shall, she is now off the ramps and ready for a drive! lol!