185 Temp gauge misreading (i hope)

[roger-UK]

Hi Guys,

Just after a bit of advice really. My 2004 185 with 4.3 Merc seems to have a rather random temperature gauge.

It never seems to return to the stop when you turn off the engine and stops at around the 170 mark. It also seems to read just over 170 when running, now this strikes me as a bit high, I'd expect the gauge to read in the middle somewhere? Is this normal?

I'm guessing either the gauge or the temp sender on the engine have had it as there is good water flow from the outlet as soon as the engine is run so its not overheating that I'm aware of. Have taken it on a good run (couple of hours) and it seems to run fine apart from this. :huh:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Very normal to see the gauge a needle width - or so - above the 170* mark. Check it with a contact or infrared thermometer, if you want to be sure.

Check the connections - remove and clean - on the back of the gauge. "check and clean" is always the first place to start with electrical problems.

 

[roger-UK]

Ah, OK, thanks for the very quick reply :thumbsup:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Ah, OK, thanks for the very quick reply :thumbsup:

Nah, you just happened to be posting at the same time I was reading! :grin:

You checked water flow... another thing you can do while on the water is just feel your risers - they should be quite warm, but not so hot that you can't put your hand on them.

On edit: Oh, check the connections at your temp sensor, too.

also edited post - wrong terminology.

 

[roger-UK]

Will do, expect the oh god I've burn't the skin off my hands on the exhaust manifold post next.. :grin: I hope you're not pulling my leg :smt101

 

[Lazy Daze]

Will do, expect the oh god I've burn't the skin off my hands on the exhaust manifold post next.. :grin: I hope you're not pulling my leg :smt101

No, I wouldn't do that! :smt001

Obviously "tap" it a few times with your hand before just planting your hand on it... or use someone else's hand:grin:

 

[roger-UK]

hehehe :smt043Dont worry, I wasn't planning on grabbing it and holding on for dear life.

 

[Lazy Daze]

hehehe :smt043Dont worry, I wasn't planning on grabbing it and holding on for dear life.

I didn't think you were, but since we're only dealing with the "written word" here, I just wanted to "CMA", you know? You can "cover your own"... I gotta draw the line somewhere! :lol:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Roger - note that I used the wrong terminology - I should have said feel your "risers", not manifold. I edited my first post to avoid confusion for someone else reading this thread. Sorry!

 

[roger-UK]

No probs, not sure what the risers are but I'm sure I can find out. I'm experienced mechanically so not going to do anything stupid, dont worry.

 

[Lazy Daze]

They're the things on top of the exhaust manifolds. That's where exhaust water mixes with exhaust gases.

 

[First Born]

mine has always been right at 170 when it reaches operating temp since the day I bought it. :thumbsup:

 

[roger-UK]

OK, thanks for clearing this up guys, just used to car gauges which tend to read the operating temp in the middle range of the gauge...:smt038

 

[dcw]

My 185 also reads 170. No obvious problems.