Hi all, this is my first post. I have a question concerning my temp gauge. I own a 97 Magna TF. Prior to todays service, the temp gauge stays consistent at 4 bar. It doesn't move. However I had the car serviced today and the temp bar fluctuates between 4 to 5 bar and sometimes I can smell something burning (or maybe its just me). Things done to it was:

1) Regular service (change oil, spark plugs etc)
2) Fit rocker gaskets
3) Replace platinum spark plugs, ignition leads, belts
4) New brakes

Is this normal considering that there is quite a lot of changes and the car might require time to adjust? What could be the possible reason for the temperature gauge to fluctuate now?

new brakes can smell while bedding in

the stuff they use to degrease the engine bay can small also


when the car is cold check the radiator for coolant level

Yes , when cold i would check the coolant level , On this model , The upper intake plenum needs to be removed to service the rear sprk plugs and leads. There are several ways to perform it , but most will disconnect the coolant hoses going to teh throttle body. After disconnected these hoses do pretty much free flow stream coolant. The position they are , it would not immediatly show the coolant level under if checked right after , but it would put a bit of air in the coolant system.


This can cause the fluctuation in temp between coolant fan cycling etc

Thanks for the explanation. It was really helpful. The burning smell is getting worse. I got home today and stepped out of the car with the lights on, I could see smoke passing at the front of the headlights. Don't think this is normal. May have to bring it back to the mechanic tomorrow to have a look. Any ideas what may be causing smoke to come out? Hope the mechanic didn't do a bad job and didn't put the engine back properly.

Check your oil level. If he didn't get the rocker gaskets quite right you could be leaking oil onto the exhaust maifold and that would cause smoke.

Yes , as stated , i would check the oil level. It all depends , the smoe could be frum the front cam cover , leaking oil onto the front exhaust manifold. Also check the coolant resevior level.

Brought it back today and he mentioned that they installed a rather dodgy gasket. They replaced it and cleaned it out. But still driving back from the mechanic, the burning smell is still there. I think you guys are right. I think oil may be leaking onto the manifold. Might drive it for a week and if no satisfaction will bring it back again. Also will check the oil level. Need to fish out the manual and read it for the first time heh.

Thanks.

im not sure if they have it here , but if yu need any sort of diagrams and sum technnical manual data feel free to ask , ill post for yu