924Board.org

[DLC360]

OK, first off I just ordered one of 924-76's speaker gauge pods & cant wait to get it. So with this in mind I am looking to install a couple gauges on my '87 924s. I was told not to trust the original temp gauge from the PO and have seen that it is off, so with this in mind I plan on a new water temp gauge. I am not sure what other guage I want yet, what would some of your recomendations be ?

I also would like to know if I need a special sending unit for a new temp guage?

Thanks for any input and comments.

[ideola]

I'm not sure I would trust what the PO told you about the gauge. It is quite possible that you have a mismatch of coolant temp (CLT) sensor, fan switch, and thermostat, which could be wreaking havoc with the cooling system and the readouts on your gauge. It is also quite likely that the system is not properly bled, which could also cause erratic temperature displays. In my opinion, adding an aftermarket coolant gauge is only going to add to the confusion and the complexity. If you do decide to add one, you will need to match the sender to the gauge.

If I were you (and this is based on having had some really bad experiences with my 87 924S), I would strongly recommend that you assume right from the start that the entire cooling system is FUBAR'd, and that you start from scratch. At minimum, install a new thermostat and fan switch, drain and flush the old coolant, refill, and properly bleed the system. While you're doing all that, you could test the CLT for proper resistance in the unlikely event that it has failed. I would also suggest that you follow the troubleshooting regimen laid out at Clark's Garage: http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/cool-03.htm. Clark's garage shop manual is a must-read / must-bookmark resource: http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/repair-procedure-index4.htm.

If you don't know the last time the water pump and timing belt were changed, you should perform the entire Front-Of-Engine-Service (FOES), which includes changing the water pump and timing belt (along with several of the rollers).

As for add'l gauges, my first choice for ALL of the 924/944 series is a good VDO volt meter. The charging systems and alts on these cars are notoriously bad for failing...and the volt meters in my cars have saved me from being stranded more than once.

My second choice on an NA car is a vacuum gauge. While the 2.5L cars are less susceptible to vacuum leaks than the 2.0L cars, fluctuations in your vacuum readings can be an early indicator of engine trouble, from something as simple as a cracked or leaking air hose or boot, to more serious issues like valve clearances needing to be adjusted.

My third choice is adding an oil temp sensor. I like to drill and tap the drain plug and install the sensor right in the plug itself. You an see an example in this pic of one of my 931s:



My favorite place to shop for gauges is http://www.egauges.com
They are local to me here in the Detroit area, but I've never needed to go in person because their online service is so excellent. I have ordered several gauges, senders, and related accessories from them. I've not found anyone with better prices or service.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[DLC360]

Thanks for the reply. When I bought the car, I asked about the high reading on the stock temp gauge. The PO said that it has always read high for him, but the system was working good. When I looked things over, the water /antifreeze mix looked good. That was a red flag since it looked so good. I ran the car for a while on the test drive & just sitting. The fan kick on and off as expected and the radiator hose did get hot, but not hot enough that I couldnt touch it with the palm of my hand for 10-15 seconds. (I know not scientific..LOL)I have checked it different times with an IR temp senso and it has hever been above 185F so far. The temp gauge showed just into the red when the fan would kick in then drop. While driving the car, I have noticed that it does like to sit very close to the red zone. I will check into the CTS, the fan switch and T-stat in the spring.

I did have the engine looked at and checked out when I had the car in getting a new clutch. The mechanic ( a small German auto repair shop) gave it a good bill of health. He said the compression was very good, the functions of the engine were good and that the timing belt and water pump looked very good, with low use on them. The PO told me they were changed withing the last year & a half and the mechanic said he would beleave that. I do know I will keep an eye on that anyways to be safe.

Thanks for the Clarks Garage info, I have been there many times reading up on everything I can. There is alot of great info there.

[924-76]

[D Hook]

Cleaning grounds will help a great deal. Unplug from the back of the gauge and clean the contacts, too. Improves accuracy a lot.
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'80 924 n/a SOLD