Coolant temp guage dropping

[cornishpete]

Last night on my way home the coolant temp guage dropped down to close to zero then gradually over a couple of miles rose to normal where it stayed for about 15 miles near to home it dropped down again and pretty much stayed there. The coolant levels look normal and a new water pump was fitted a few months ago, anyone had a similar problem. Thankfully maybe, the guage did not go above normal Sorry should mention 2.1 MV petrol/ lpg 1990 syncro gassed by Gasure

[toomanytoys]

Does it take a while to warm up too?
I'd suspect he thermostat is sticking open, then when its cooled enough and generated enough force to close, the engine warms back up.. of course, worth checking there is nothing silly happening witht he wiring/sensor though...

Although its not unusual to see the temp gauge drop below normal on a long down hill in cool weather...

[cornishpete]

Thanks for that. My local garage is ordering a new sensor just in case it is that and needs replacing after checking wiring etc tomorrow. I will get them to check the thermostat out while they are at it . since the snag showed up I havn't warmed her up just parked outside last night, but she normally reaches optimum temp after 3 or so miles. I am moving house next week and the new place won't be ready until November so we need to live in the van a lot of the time till then so hence the slight paranoia

[jake1953]

I agree with toomanytoys. My guage has always sat just above cold. changed thermostat and it now sits just above halfway.

[cornishpete]

Just an update in case anyone is interested. When the garage tried to disconect the sensor the wire came away from the spade connector apparantly just one strand of wire in contact. A new spade connector crimped on and all seems ok hopefully