Looking for some input from those who have installed the real gauge upgrade, on what their xk8/xkr reads for engine/coolant temp. I did this to my 97 xk8, with the oil pressure sensor as well. When I installed this system, I was in the midst of a timing chain/tensioner upgrade, and also replaced my water pump with a metal impeller unit, my thermostat housing with a metal one and new thermostat, as well as new zerex coolant.

so question is because I have noticed that my temps are pretty high, although I know outside temps are typically between 85-95f, but still I don’t like seeing my temp gauge near the top. Don’t know if this is normal or maybe I got a stuck thermostat. I don’t drive the car much but I when I do I don’t want it to overheat. Any input appreciated, thanks

 

After install of the Real Gauge, I have had a high reading but checking the temperature with a laser gauge all was well, even below what was indicated.
If I remember correctly, the instructions told how to adjust the gauge on the dash, but just didn't pull it all apart again after finding no issue.
In your case, not a bad idea to check with the temperatures the way they are right now.

 

If you get a cheap OBD scanner and the torque app, you can read the coolant temp directly and compare to what your gauge is showing.

 

The OBDII connector should give the actual temp that the ECM sees in a DATALOGGER type access capability that many readers have.

A 'contactless' IR temp reader cjd777 mentioned will also give you the info.

 

Ok thanks guys, I do have a cheap obd2 scanner but it won’t even communicate with the jag. It’s been about or over a year since I installed the real guage, and I believe it came with an apparatus and instructions for calibrating everything correctly but I didn’t have a good enough reader to read real live accurate temps and or data at the time (and still don’t lol). I also don’t drive the car as much as I would like to, but last fall I did a bit after the install and remember watching the temp guage closely and it’s readings, but now it is summer and much hotter, and I just notice higher than “normal” or other nominal readings. I guess it is time to invest in a high end obd2 scanner and calibrate the real guage system properly.

i can however say I am extremely impressed with the real guage system, appreciating the time and ingenuity it must have taken to build this thing(I’m assuming there was a fair amount of trial and error involved). My oil pressure guage and temp gauge move around constantly, giving me real time data as opposed to a dummy guage. I recommend it to anyone, and the instructions are so easy to follow, which is not common. I’ll report back when I get a good scanner to verify everything, thanks again

 

For a real reading google the P10 head up display at about $30 this will give real temp from the OBD port .
In my opinion Jag temp is only controlled by having an 82 deg C thermostat and running the fans half speed 24/7. easy on your 97 only one wire from the ECU to earth

 

If you haven't calibrated it, then the reading on the gauge is meaningless. It will go up and down, but you won't know what the actual temps are.

 

Have had a RealGuage on our 2002 XKR for quite a few years now. It always goes to just a bit over the 185 mark that is in the center. It is pretty stable. I have never felt the need to calibrate it or check the OBD2 values against it.

 

That is what I have installed and using, a heads up display. It seems to give a very accurate temp reading, along with displaying a digital reading of your MPH.

 

This is what I use to monitor a variety of functions.(fuel trims, oil and coolant temperatures, battery voltage, etc etc it plugs into the OBD-II port, and can read / clear basic codes.

It is indispensable for peace of mind , and catching issues before they evolve into an expensive problem.
from Amazon:

https://a.co/d/9DRde1h

 

I also have installed the same real gauge items, and yes the temp gauge reads 2 hash marks above the center mark on the dash instrument....the mid mark represents about 185 degrees F and each line represents 15 degrees, then the engine is reading about 205 at running temp. At least this is what I understand, and is about the correct operating temp for our engs.

 

When ambient temperatures get up to the 95 level my Jag gets up to around 225-230 in traffic.

 

By any chance do you have the Nissen radiator ?

My 2002 XKR’s temperatures in Oklahoma’s 95-105 F summer, ran hotter once I had to replace the stock radiator with the aftermarket Nissen radiator. I’m now at 195-210 F vs the 185-200 F before the radiator swap. This is with 15% antifreeze / 85% distilled water + WaterWetter. The temp was higher with a 50% antifreeze mixture.

I lowered the temp by 10-15 F by using as little antifreeze as possible and adding WaterWetter with the distilled water.

The fin count per inch on the Jaguar radiator is superior to the aftermarket Nissen unit.


if I had it to do over again, I’d probably get a used Jaguar radiator instead of the Nissen product.

Z

 

210 is fairly cool, not even up to unpressurized boiling point of water. Not sure what you are worried about. My Jag I mentioned is a 2010 XFR.

 

Different models!
My 2008 XK also runs into the low 220s in traffic but my xk8 runs @ 200+/- 5.
wj

 

I don’t like the temp going up from what has been a trouble free 7 years of daily driving.

yes, 200-210 F is not a problem when going down the road . But idling and stuck in traffic it goes up to 220 + easily. These cars are notorious for sustaining engine damage when there is slight overheating . I don’t want to be in that group.

Z