Water temp gauge readings

[tokendog]

I have a built SR20DET and before the build, I was having issues with my stock temp gauge and temp sensor - so I installed an aftermarket adapter on the hot side of the engine and a temp sensor.

The auto meter gauge is showing no higher than 150 degrees on the HOT side of the engine...

Now, I am using, I believe, an 91 or 93 S-ER Sentra thermostat and I know that opens at a relatively low temperature IIRC, but shouldn't the hot side of the engine be hotter than 150?

I live in Louisiana and right now its around 70 degrees outside... My upper radiator hose gets very warm, the lower radiator hose is very cool, and the radiator itself is almost too hot to touch. I am using a aluminum Mishimoto radiator with a big 16" Mustang fan that puts out around 3900 CFM.

On every previous install of this engine, I've had heat issues, so of course I am paranoid.

Any input?

Thanks!

[tokendog]

No one has any input?

[homeslicej2]

I have an Autometer h2o temp gauge as well, and my temp sender is also installed on the HOT. With stock thermostat, it reads about 195 before the e-fans kick on (so with my Koyo rad should be about 180-185 on the cold side) only time it runs 150 is when the motor is cold. Are you sure you installed the temp sender correctly? I used thread sealant not teflon tape on mine, I'm pretty sure if you use teflon tape on temp senders it throws them off, but I can't say for certain. Try re-installing your sender using liquid thread sealant. If it's still off get a temp reading using an infrared heat gun on the hot side radiator hose and install a new temp sender if needed.