C1 temp sender

[Don izzo]

o.k......I guess I am doomed to fall prey to every single malady that befalls the C1. Every time I read about a problem on these posts, I go back and check my newly completed 1960 basket case and bang! there it is. When I bought the car it came in boxes with a pickup truck load of NOS parts. One of the items was a new in the box AC temp switch NO. G1852 (1513321). Thinking that this was the correct unit I installed it into the newly rebuilt original motor. Upon starting the motor for the first time, and then taking it for our maiden voyage, I found the temp gauge spiked after a few minutes of driving. Thinking I had overheated, I pulled over and allowed the car to cool. After getting it home, I checked all the usual things, I.E. thermostate, belts, coolant level etc. Finally after seeing some of the posts here, I removed the temp sender and used an aftermarket sender and gauge and found that all is well, except for the sender! Long story short, what is the remedy for these non working senders that are available at all the Corvette Supply houses? Where do I get a properly calibrated unit? What do you guys do, just ignore the gauge or install an aftermarket in a remote location?
Don

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 temp sender

The quick fix for a driver is a Wells TU5 sending unit from Autozone for $6. Letric Limited is selling a "correct" sender that they claim is properly calibrated, but I haven't seen any reports yet as to whether they work. If any of the junkyards in your area still have old cars, go get one out of a late 50' thru late 60's GM anything.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 temp sender

Lectric Limited now claims to have 'correct' reproductions of the various temp senders ('56, '57-67, '68-71, and later). The offering is new and I've not seen feedback regarding how 'correct' their 'correct' is. But, for the $20 list price they ask, seems there's not much to lose. You might want to try their web site (www.lectriclimited.com) and experiment.

[Gary F.]

Re: C1 temp sender

Don:
This has been covered before, if not here then in the Restorer. Check the archives. The problem is the newer senders do not have enough resistance. I believe the sender should have 700 ohms. Someone had an article that suggested putting a resister in line to remedy. Also you can check junk yards for the old style resisters.
Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 temp sender

Ed------

Yes, a temp sender can be obtained from cars in a salvage yard. However, the car must be one that has factory GAUGES and not simply a warning light. The senders used for cars with gauges and warning lights are different and do not interchange. Also, finding a car with factory gauges is more difficult than finding one with a warning light.

[Don izzo]

Re: C1 temp sender

Thanks to all! I got an e-mail that said Mary-jo had the correct old senders for $40.00 I'm tired of the running around so I gave her a call and she will send one out. Thanks guy's once again this site has saved me lots of grief!

Don In NY

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 temp sender

Joe, you're absolutly right, as usual. The "idiot light" senders are just an "off/on" switch and will read only full hot or full cold. Doesn't make much difference around here. Most of the jurisdictions have made the salvage yards get rid of their old cars. You have to travel to the boonies to find anything at all.