Normal Opperating Temperature??

[KitsonRis]

Fitted a new temperature sensor yesterday as my gauge cut out when it got above half way. But then when it cooled below half way it would kick back in again.
Just drove 90mins down the M4 and this is how hot it got, is this normal?

I haven't got it hot yet, like stood in traffic for a while, that test will come tomorrow getting to work in the morning! But when I was parking outside my house it did rise a little, like half an increment.

I didn't change the thermostat as the gauge wasn't showing signs of a broken thermostat, but now the gauge is working it is! Also I am struggling to get 41mpg on long morotway journies, and when I first got the car I used to get 46mpg cursing at 70mph for a few hours. This does suggest the car is thinking it is too cold so the "choke has been opened" so it is running a fraction rich.

 

[Canary172]

Does the temp gauge needle rise/fall depending on speed? Either way, it should sit in the middle once the engine is up to temperature and stay there if behaving correctly.

 

[KitsonRis]

Does the temp gauge needle rise/fall depending on speed?

Nope. Before and after I changed it, it was steady. Rose when you expected it too when stood still.
Before I changed it it read half way when up to temperature

 

[McGherkin]

Mine's the same. I'm fairly sure it's the thermostat overcooling the engine.

 

[KitsonRis]

Mine's the same. I'm fairly sure it's the thermostat overcooling the engine.

Annoyling I had a thermostat to change yesterday and me and my step dad decided against it as it didn't look like it needed doing. Should have just done it!!!

 

[Dannyeff]

I have the same issue. I changed water pump and Aux belt and it sits like that but had no issues with running it. It'd a pain in the ass though

 

[KevF182]

Have you had the stat out? Is the seal in good condition? If it looks a bit perished then its leaking past the seal and that might be the issue. If it were me Id put a new one in, just make sure its not from ecp as I had to return one I bought from them as it was undersized. Genuine Renault one cost me just under £20 and has been perfect for over 2 years now