since i bought my car, the temp guage has only ever gone halfway. it works fine up to 50%temp, but will not go past this. i know this to be incorrect as the car had no water in it when i got it due to a shafted rad.
is this common?
does anyone know the location of the sensor?
cheers
ad

Normal position for the gauge when the car is up to optimal operating temperature is around the halfway position or just below my friend. Cars can run at normal temp with very low water in the system. As long as there is enough to pump round the system it will be ok.

Mine has never gone over half way in the 3½ years I've had her, despite some pretty hard thrashing in sweltering South African heat.

If there's no water in the system, you probably wouldn't get any reading, 'cause the sensor get's it's info from the water ...

Mine didn't go over half way (stayed at normal temp) during 15 minutes of hooliganism at Castle Combe around midday on one of last years hottest days - very impressed.


Mark

oh, that's a relief. was just a little worried, only last week i went to torquay on holiday in the 323f and got stuck in traffic on the way back. i was expecting the fan to kick in or at least for the temp to rise a little, but nothing. the fan seems to come in for 5-second bursts from time to time.
anyway, thanks for putting my mind to rest.
ad

No problem mate. Mazda engines are pretty hardy beasts

That's put my mind at rest as well. My guage has never raised above the just below half way mark either. Car runs fine.