[alfa] Re: overheating 156

[Mcmahonmik@xxxxxxx]

On a 164 the temp sensor sends two signals (2 wires) to the dash display.  If 
the idiot light and the temp guage used the same actual sensor only one wire 
and a comparator at the dash would be needed.
   Short of cutting one open, it seems likely that there are two sensors in 
the same housing.
   In support of that theory, my 164 LS idiot light was coming on before the 
guage was in the danger zone.  Replaced it with a new one and we're back to 
normal behavior.  New sensor yields accurate temp at guage per IR temp gun.

Where normal is: After a brisk run at highway speeds during a Houston summer, 
can't idle (stuck in traffic) w/ AC on for over 20 minutes before it starts 
to get disconcertingly hot.

VW fan temp sensor helps things a bit.  (Used to be 5 minutes of idle time w/ 
AC)
New overflow tank & cap didn't hurt any.
Turning off AC seems to stabilize it at 210-220F at city speeds.

-mike mcmahon
Stafford, TX
94 164LS
86 spider

From: Joe Elliott jee@domain.elided

At 8:20 PM +0000 9/16/03, alfa-digest wrote:
>Given that both the warning light and the guage indicate
>overheating, then I think it is not a guage problem.

I don't know much about the newer cars, but on my GTV-6 the gauge and 
warning light are on the same sensor.
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