Temp gauge and coolant

[Jimbo]

Sorry for reading this twice but i never meant to put it in the general area.


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My toyota surf (1kz-t 5 speed) died a couple of months ago (head cracked in a few places driving normally on a cool night) Now it is all just about fixed i want some people's opinions or knowledge on a couple of things.

1)Are Toyota temp gauges bad/faulty in that they show operating temp all the time and only move (past half way) once the damage is done (looks like the case with mine as it never overheated according to the gauge)
If so what is the solution to this? Is it time for an aftermarket gauge?

2)Some people have been telling me that a reason for this is that i was not using 'toyota' brand coolant. I replace my coolant regulary with quality coolant but have never used Toyota coolant. Is their coolant any better? or just more expensive.

Thaks

Jimbo

[GoTheLux]

Personally i think the gauges are ok as my temp went up when thermostat ceased working properly & went back to the original temp when replaced. Maybe your temperature sensor in the engine is buggered. No idea on the coolant thing but never used the Toyota one.