Jaguar Mk2 v Daimler V8 running temp

[344739lv]

Can anyone advise? I own a 1961 Jaguar MK2 3.8 which runs perfectly and sits at 70 degrees on the temp gauge. I also have a 1966 Daimler V8 this runs perfectly as well but sits at around 80ish degrees. I was stuck in heavy traffic recently on a (very rare) sunny day when the temperature got to circa 90 in the V8. The car did not overheat and continued to run perfectly.

Should there be such a variance in running temperature between the two cars?

Both have leak free cooling systems and no head gasket issues at all. The Jag has a Kenlow fan as well (the daimler does not) but the Kenlow is set to kick in at around 75 degrees so it rarely comes on.

I am more worried that the V8 may be running hot given the Jags temp but have no experience with Daimlers.

Tim

[steve_m]

Hi Tim
Thanks to the wonders of the internet this is the 3rd time I have started this message so I will keep it short this time.
Everyhthing has a lifespan including Jaguar remote sensors and gauges.
Buy a 'Laser' thermometer (they are actually infra red) from ebay or Amazon or wherever (about £20). They look like a pistol with no barrel and you point it what you want to measure the temperature of, pull the trigger and it gives you the temperature of whatever the red dot lands on.
You will be able to compare the temperature of the surface of the location of the temperature probes to see if there is any worrying difference. Note that I say the surface because the probes go into the water rail which the laser thermometer won't reach.
If there is a big difference between what the laser thermometer says and what the gauge says then there is either a problem with the sensor or the gauge (or possibly the wiring in between).
If the laser thermometer and the the gauge are reading the same then there may be some problem, possibly a stuck thermostat.
The laser gauges are massively useful because you can check every hose, piece of wiring, wheel bearings, exhausts etc. without getting your hands dirty.
I have heard that you can also check exactly how hot your partner is but that is only rumour.
Steve

[piman]

Hello Tim,

the other factor is what thermostats are fitted as they do come in various degrees of operating bands. Note that the temperature stamped on them is the opening temperature not the stabilised running temperature.

Alec

[344739lv]

Good steer and thanks both. I have got to get one of those gadgets now - sounds like something Spock would use!