John,
Well, this I think is the first time I've ever heard anyone concerned about
a Spitfire apparently running too cool!
Sensors, I believe, tend to work OK or not at all (but I could be wrong?).
Gauges ditto, although they can give a false reading if the voltage
stabiliser is not working -although that would cause your gauge to read
high, not low. So unless your alternator is duff and there is a really low
voltage running through the gauge (and you'd know about that 'cos the car
would not start!), my guess is that the car really is running cool, and that
is most likely to be a thermostat that is stuck open.
Do you have a meat thermometer? If so, after a good run CAREFULLY remove
the radiator cap and test the coolant temperature, should be around 190F I
believe, although it might be less if a low temperature thermostat is
fitted.
Thermostats are cheap and easy to replace (but remember to get a new gasket
for the housing!!), so I'd go there first. You can check the old one by
sticking it in a saucepan of water and slowly heating it until you see it
open, but again a thermometer is useful to tell you at what temperature that
happens.
I have a spare temperature gauge from a '78 I can let you have for not too
much money - but if you are not in the UK postage might be a bit silly. If
you want it, contact me privately to discuss.
Richard & Daffy (Inca Yellow '78 Spit 1500)
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