Help car runs warmer

[cstang68]

When i first got my s14 (6 months ago) the temp gauge would read a needle's width above center of the temp gauge. Now it has started to read 3-4 needle widths above the center. The gauge doesn't fluctuate once it warms up. It just reads the same temp whether i am flogging the car or just cruisin on the freeway. Any thoughts on this? Could the thermostat over time start opening at a higher temp? Is there some sort of Temp sensor that could go bad? I flushed the radiator and that didn't help, i pulled the sparkplugs and they looked fine. Any ideas?

[navysnail]

240 temp. sensors are pretty unaccurate. the temp. gauge really only has 3 positions as far as i am concerned: off, normal, new head gasket. replace the thermostat also, they can go bad after a while.

[MikeMurphy]

Your thermostat may be stuck. It has probably been getting warmer outside than it was before. I suggest you plug into your OBD port and see what it says.

Im sure other people have things to say, but dont dismiss your engine temp. easily! Its obviously very important.

[cstang68]

one more thing is that i went from getting a consistent 28-29mpg to getting 24mpg and i drive the same way. The outside temps don't effect the temp gauge. I've ran it in 60deg to high 80's and the gauge reads the same

[flyfishz]

your thermostat is wearing out. replace it now before you have a bigger problem. it is cheap and easy... get on it