YES. OEM WATER TEMP IS NOT THAT ACCURATE.
i am currently using shadow water temp gauge and oil temp gauge. both mechanical type
---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 09:13 PM ----------
that's the sole reason why TC, SC and other valve lift and timing tech engines, and high CR engines opted for external water temp gauge rather than depends solely on OEM.
because it gives you early warning..you can set your gauge to what ever value that you consider as danger level. (provided that the gauge has warning option)
I.E: mine was set at 105 degrees C.
so that when your engine cooling system is on trouble, water temp gauge gives you warning first. OEM water temp are slow to react. no matter what. by the time you realize that your OEM water temp reaches more than 3/4 reading to hot, the water temp gauge has already rise up earlier...means that your engine is ALREADY OVER HEATING.
i am not saying that OEM water is not good, what i am trying to say is that water temp gauge is good and much-much more reliable than OEM. and even the sensor last longer than OEM.
p/s: either oem water temp or water temp gauge, both serves the same purpose. telling u that you engine is getting hot. the difference is how fast it tells u about it and the reality is water temp gauge will always give you earlier warning than OEM water temp. tested and proven countless time.