Temperature Gauge

[Earle Downes]

Can someone provide a step-by-step diagnostic routine to help determine why my temp gauge (65 327/365) isn't working? I've searched the archives, but everything I've found presumes you know whether it's the gauge, wiring, or sending unit. Thanks, Earle

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Temperature Gauge

I'll try: 1. disconnect sending wire from gauge. 2. turn ignition switch "on". 3. check gauge, it should read no scale (dead cold) 4. ground the sender terminal to a known good ground. 5. check gauge, it should read full scale (Hot) 6. If this proceedure checks out the gauge is good and the problem is either the sender or the wiring in between. Your gauge is reading a variable ground from the sender. If the circuit is open somewhere, you will get no reading. If shorted somewhere, it will read full scale. If the sender is bad or not grounded to the engine properly (teflon tape, pipe dope etc.) you will get a false reading. Check this out and post the results. Someone will give you some further advice.

[Bill #34162]

Re: Temperature Gauge

I understand that the sender unit is grounded to the block, hence the problem with the guage if you use thread sealant. I was wonder if a little thread sealant around a few threads at the top of the sender unit will still give the ground needed? Will the sender usit seal if installed with no sealant and torqued properly (20 ft pounds I believe)? I really obly want to do this once. Thanks.

[Bill #34162]

I need speel check, sorry. *NM*

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Temperature Gauge

I would use no sealant at all unless I just could not get it to seal without it.The threads are tapered, so you could perhaps use a little teflon tape on the very bottom threads.

[Bill #34162]

Thanks *NM*

[Page C.]

Re: Temperature Gauge

Hi Folks, Most electrical supply house sell a thread lubricate called "Copper Shield" that is used to keep threads on electrical conduit from seizing and helps with conductivity. Another product that should also work is a Fel-Pro product called C5-A. It is also a copper based anti-seize lubricant. Hope this helps, Page Campbell