HJ75 temperature gauge fault

[HJ75]

Hi I recently brought a 1989 HJ75 and am experiencing a temperature gauge issue.

All other gauges work perfectly but the temperature gauge reads low, I have replaced the sender and know the car is running at the right temperature, but the gauge only reads cold when it is actually at operating temperature.

Is this a typical fault that any one has had experience with?

Any help would be great, thanks.

 

[coldtaco]

I would install a aux water temp. Your temps seem a little low.

 

[sodafeld1]

I would install a aux water temp. Your temps seem a little low.

what does your gauge sit at?
I never considered it a problem as it showed me when the engine was warmed up. Never been too hot like my old b engine. I wouldn't like it being closer to half way. I have no rust in the coolant circuit and even measure ph of the coolant freshness. I can hear the viscous fan kick in hot days going up hills. I keep a spare water pump, but not needed it.
Admittedly I installed exact mechanical and electric oil pressure gauges as the toyota oil gauge is primitive.

 

[coldtaco]

what does your gauge sit at?
I never considered it a problem as it showed me when the engine was warmed up. Never been too hot like my old b engine. I wouldn't like it being closer to half way. I have no rust in the coolant circuit and even measure ph of the coolant freshness. I can hear the viscous fan kick in hot days going up hills. I keep a spare water pump, but not needed it.
Admittedly I installed exact mechanical and electric oil pressure gauges as the toyota oil gauge is primitive.

I’ve only run a turbo 2H, so honestly can’t comment from experience on a non-turbo 2H. I guess if you are satisfied with the gauge and learn how it reads, then if it goes bonkers you can react. But like you said about the other gauges they aren’t known for being very accurate. My turbo’d 2H when the needle got right at half that was too hot according to the aux water temp gauge, and I thought half would still be fine.

 

[sodafeld1]

I’ve only run a turbo 2H, so honestly can’t comment from experience on a non-turbo 2H. I guess if you are satisfied with the gauge and learn how it reads, then if it goes bonkers you can react. But like you said about the other gauges they aren’t known for being very accurate. My turbo’d 2H when the needle got right at half that was too hot according to the aux water temp gauge, and I thought half would still be fine.

yeah turbo would be hotter. I am happy as is, predictable like clockwork. As long as it doesn't go all over the place. may look out for an aux temp gauge for another bell n whistle. I like autometer if they have celsius.
I get the impression the toyota gauges read low as the mechanical oil pressure meter maxed out at 100 before the toyota gauge, thats when the oil filters pop.

Once I had a piece of # @% newer ford with a plastic radiator, it popped in Sydney peak hour summer after 4 hrs drive. no fun. the gauge worked tho!

 

[HJ75]

yeah turbo would be hotter. I am happy as is, predictable like clockwork. As long as it doesn't go all over the place. may look out for an aux temp gauge for another bell n whistle. I like autometer if they have celsius.
I get the impression the toyota gauges read low as the mechanical oil pressure meter maxed out at 100 before the toyota gauge, thats when the oil filters pop.

Once I had a piece of # @% newer ford with a plastic radiator, it popped in Sydney peak hour summer after 4 hrs drive. no fun. the gauge worked tho!

Mate of mine had the plastic radiator tank on his HDJ79 split on the side of the highway halfway between Wagga Wagga and Melbourne, purchased a new radiator over the phone and I took it up to fit on the side of the highway in the dark.

Would have worked beautifully if that was the correct size radiator, was a very cautious drive back to Melbourne with the bonnet propped open and tied down to clear the taller radiator.