Hi all.My mitsubishi alternator died a couple of weeks back. I swaped in an internally regulated lucas. When I did this at first the temp gauge started reading hotter than usual. It was running at about half way with the old alternator it started reading at about 3/4 and when the head lights were turned on it was going straight off the clock. I had an auto electrician come and check that the alternator was wired up properly, charging all good. One thing, if you swap in a Lucas 15AC you cant coonect to the charge/dash warning lamp. So wiring checked, still running hot ? Just put in a new water pump and cap, still running hot on the gauge. Doesn't feel like it is too hot tho. I can hold my hand on the cap when the gauge is at 3/4. The gauge isnt moving when the lights come on now either. So short story, does anyone know if a different internally regulated alternator could make the gauge read higher ?? Cheers

Did someone forget to unplug the old external voltage regulator?

If your old voltage regulator was running at 13.5v and the new one at 15.0 volts both are "charging right". And i wouldn't be surprised if they change the gauge reading. But it wouldn't cause it to go off the scale.

Can your mechanic double-check the radiator hose temps with an infrared measuring device?

Noope. It's removed. I had an auto electrician check everything over and tidy up a few things. Alternator is charging as it should be. Engine is actually getting hot. Just flushed the radiator and have just removed the thermostat. Will take it for a run soon to see if the thermastat is the culprit.

Glad to hear it is getting sorted out.

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Your Lucas doesn't have an 'IND' connection on the back? That's for the dash light. It doesn't need a voltage 'feedback/sense' wire, that's just an old myth.

No. It's only got the 2 wires. Wasn't the thermo stat either. Just going to get a professional flush on the radiator. If it's not the radiator I'm wondering if its the head which has been shaved 2mm. The higher comp and the hot weather ?

Unlikely but possible. Could be the temp probe like mine just did. $11 for new one from bursons.

Some things Amis. Try with an after market guage or a temp gun on the hose.

The temp sender is about 2000k's old. Ive got a H89 on my A12 so had to buy a sender from a vanette for an A15. The engine is getting hot even with the thermostat out. Is booked in at 3pm to be flushed. Hopefully thats it....

Flush won't solve a severe overheating problem. If a low coolant level is causing the problem, they will refill it after the flush.

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Yes, all engines run hot, near the boiling point of water and some above it normally. Has the actual temperature been meausured or are you just going by the dash gauge?

By the way, A12 and A15 use the exact same sender:
Nissan part number 25080-89900

No mate. I mean hotter than normal. I dont have a separate gauge. Off to the radiator shop in bout an hour. I will get him to put a gauge or laser on it. As for the senders there are deffinately a few different ones. Pin head connecter, flat connector, two piece, one piece that I know of... Cheers

Different connectors but internally the same- doesn't affect the reading. I've just gone through all the connectors and l series except some l20b use same sensor.