Engine temp question

[TVSHO]

Already did a search but I wanted to get further info.

For several years my temp needle was between the R and M when fully warmed up and would stay there.
Now it stays consistently between A and L and never gets any warmer. The thermostat is less than a yr/10K miles old, coolant flushed last summer, car runs fine and gets 22mpg in mixed city/highway driving. In reading Tom G's Tech Tips in the SHOShop catalog regarding thermostats, should I look into replacing the coolant temp sender or just leave it alone. Any comments? Thanks.

Tom
'94 ATX

 

[sdpatt]

Did the change coincide with the installation of the current thermostat? That sounds like the normal indicated difference between the 190 and 180 degree thermostats. If the indicated temperature has changed long after the installation of the thermostat, it would more likely be due to a temperature measurement or indication change. If you could measure the actual temperature at the thermostat housing with a contact pyrometer or infrared device, you can determine the temperature at which the thermostat actually opens and corresponding position on the temperature gauge. There is no need to fix something that isn't broken.

 

[TVSHO]

Thanks for the info Scott. The change in the temp gauge just recently occured - approx. 2 months ago and 8 months after the new thermostat was installed. That's why I'm puzzled.

Thanks,
Tom
'94 ATX

 

[SHOZ123]

Sender is cheap and easy.