I have 2 Honda accords, 91 and 92, and their temp gauges do not show the same.
For normal driving, the 91 is about half from bottom to red mark while the 92 is about 1/4 (see pictures). Is it normal?
The 91 rises up very quick in about 2 minutes and the 92 needs twice that time. Does anyone see any hidden problems? Both runs good. The 92 heater seems generate more heat.
Thanks everyone in advance.
Ted

 

Both accord clusters get the temperature signal from the coolant temperature sending unit. The temperature sending unit has the same part number, so the signal should be the same.

You may have an issue with the 91 with the sending unit, wiring, or maybe the actual gauge in the cluster. The 92 picture is normal based on my experience with my 95 accord.

 

You may also want to look at the thermostats; if the 92 has a lower temperature thermostat, that would also explain the difference.

 

I have a '92 EX and used to have a '93 LX; both have very good heaters, better than other similar age cars, IMO.
Both had the exact same normal temp gauge reading as your top photo - your '91. ('just above horizontal' is my description).

My '92's steady temp gauge level ...




If in my cars, I'd say your lower photo was caused by a lower temp thermostat.
With both cars working well, nothing's broke, so don't fix what isn't broken.

Nice to have someone else with the same age Accord active here on the forum - hope you stay around and participate, Ted.

 

Hi PAhonda, I think you're right. The 91 gauge rises up quickly and stops at half, but when turn on the heater core the air coming out seems not as hot as of the 92.
Hi Shipo, never heard about the low thermostat. I just googled for the low thermostat and may be the previous owner installed one. As long as it runs good and passes the DEQ, I'm ok.
Hi UhOh, your 93 gauge looks like my 91's. Same here, I own the 92 for 17 years with 210k without problem. I bought a 91 with 137k as a backup and so far so good. Love Hondas that years.
Thank you all for sharing. Happy Father Day. Ted

 

Thermostat units can be purchased for several different temperature settings; all I was suggesting was someone put say, a 170°F in a car versus say, a 190°F thermostat.