B230F (non-turbo) engine temperature

e777 · Post by **e777** » 05 Sep 2008, 11:20

I have a 1990 740 GL wagon with 265k miles. Since I've had the car (the last 5k miles) I've noticed that the temp gauge needle, when the engine is running, is pretty much pegged straight up. This means that the needle is much closer to the red zone than the cool zone. It seems that if I were to drive the car in very hot temperatures, then there wouldn't be a whole lot of room for the engine to heat up before hitting the danger zone.

In short, is it normal for the needle to be vertical in normal operating temps (60-80 degrees)?

Thanks,

Eric

Post by **billofdurham** » 05 Sep 2008, 12:12

The normal running position of the temp gauge needle is about half way between cold and hot.

What colour is the coolant? If it has a rusty tinge then it is possible that your cooling system needs to be flushed - back flushing of the radiator is the most effective way.

If the coolant is the normal colour then the thermostat is probably sticking partially closed and slowing down the circulation of the coolant.

Bill.