Stock temp gauge question...

[dorkidori_s13]

hi guys...its a bit rare for me to post a question...but i hunted thru 9 pages worth of search results and nothing came close to my question

so heres my issue...i just picked up a 92 hatch with a blacktop swap (its an actual blacktop...uses updated ECU and 02 sensor...has heat fins in front)...my gauge cluster water temp gauge sits dead center with its needle...ive seen this on very few SR swapped S13s...my old SR (2nd gen redtop) always sat between the 3rd and 4th mark on the gauge

i havent tried swapping the gauge out yet...ive got a JDM cluster in my garage...but i had my old 2nd gen redtop on a ton of different clusters and it always read in the same place

im thinking maybe it might be time to change out the coolant temp sensor on the engine and maybe the thermostat

the gauge never actually moves while driving (not that it would matter since when the gauge moves out of its normal range it just shoots straight up to below H) so im not super concerned with it...im running a koyo aluminum radiator and clutch fan + shroud for my cooling system

any ideas guys?

[e1_griego]

The stock gauge is a 3 position dummy gauge. Low, med, hot. I think the hot point is at 218* or something like that.

So basically, it really shouldn't move if it's working right. An aftermarket gauge is a good idea.

[dorkidori_s13]

i probably should have added this...im staying away from adding aftermarket gauges to my car...its my daily and i want to keep it low key as possible

[greenman100]

It should sit at 'C' when the engine's cold, and move up to the middle when it reaches operating temp.