Coolant temperature - do I have a problem?

[Chrissy_J]

Hi folks

I've just got my first Fiesta, a 2006 1.4 TDCi van, as a second vehicle for work, and I'm very pleased with it. 

It's done 117,000 miles and it's not immaculate but it goes well and stops like it should. I'm slowly doing a complete service - new fluids, filters, pads, tyres - and I've done about 60 miles in the meantime, all city driving. 

One thing I've noticed, is that as the engine warms up and the coolant temp gauge rises, the needle gets to just past the 1/4 mark then goes no further. When I do the same distances in my partner's 2017 petrol Focus the temp gauge rises to the halfway mark, as I'd expect it to.

Do I have a problem, and if so, where should I look? I don't have any leaks and everything seems otherwise okay. 

 

[unofix]

Hi Chrissy, that's normal for an older type diesel. They don't run as hot and take longer to reach normal temp which if I remember correctly is about 90C just short of the half way point on the gauge.

[isetta]

I had a 2007 diesel and it never went more than a third up in the 9 years I drove it. They don’t create huge heat which is kind of a sign of an efficient engine (as opposed to using fuel which is turned into waste heat you don’t need). I had a quick clear windscreen. If you don’t you might find it annoying  when icey

[Chrissy_J]

Well that's reassuring to hear, thanks for replying. 

I had a look in the Haynes manual last night and it listed approximate resistance readings for the coolant temp sensor at 60°C (which I'd assume would be while the engine is warming up and the gauge needle just starts to move) and at 80°C, which seems a oddly specific temperature for an unnumbered gauge... but is actually just past the 1/4 mark, where my engine is fully warmed up. So that's something. 

I should have mentioned that I used to drive my partner's 2014 diesel Focus, before they acquired their 2017 petrol one, and the coolant temp gauge would quickly reach the halfway point. Maybe new diesels run hotter, and I was just used to that. 

Also the heating system works great, I get toasty warm and a clear screen very quickly. 😊