'60 temp sensor, redux

[Matt F.]

Thanks to the fine people answering questions on this board, I was able to determine that my temp. gauge is good and the engine temp. sensor is working.

The problem now appears to be the gauge function. Like others, I have found that at 180-185 degrees of engine temp., the gauge is pegged at the right, past 220 degrees. This makes the gauge useless as an indicator of engine temperature, obviously.

I have read that some have included several resistors in this circuit to force the gauge towards a more realistic reading, and also have now read that due to the way the sensor functions, this may be a recipe for disaster as the gauge may not give an adequate indication that meltdown is approaching when the circuit has been modified in this manner.

What can I do? I don't need complete accuracy, but it would be nice to know if a catastrophic event is imminent. Any advice gladly accepted.

thanks
-Matt

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

This is probably not an NCRS correct response, but I and several others have cured this problem by installing an aftermarket temp sender. Specifically the unit I have used is a Wells TU5. They are available at Autozone fro about 6 bucks. They look just like the Delco, but have no markings. They read about 700 ohms @ room temp. There are probably others available as well.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

This is probably not an NCRS correct response, but I and several others have cured this problem by installing an aftermarket temp sender. Specifically the unit I have used is a Wells TU5. They are available at Autozone fro about 6 bucks. They look just like the Delco, but have no markings. They read about 700 ohms @ room temp. There are probably others available as well.

[Dave Christensen]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Matt,
Try the Autozone. When I went through this exercise several weeks ago several people told me about their success with Autozone temp. sensors working for them. I went to two of them in California and was not so lucky. They had a resistance just under 600 ohms at room temperature and 70 ohms at 212 degrees, about the same as a new AC/Delco, which we have all confirmed does not work. (Thermal coefficient = 3.87 ohms/degree F)

I bought another from Mary Jo for $40. At room temperature the resistance was 675 ohms. At 212 (boiling point) it was 104 ohms. This will probably work. I found an original sensor in an original 1956 4Bbl manifold. It measured 690 ohms at room temperature and 125 ohms at 212 degrees. (Thermal coefficient = 4.12 ohms/degree F) I believe that it is the correct calibration for a 56/57 gauge anyway.

If you use a 55 ohm resistor with a new AC/Delco sensor you would read exactly right at 212 degrees F. When your gauge reads 220F the actual temperature would be about 220.5 degrees F. When the actual temperature is 180F your gauge will read 182 F. I would not lose any sleep (or worry about my motor) over this accuracy.

Or, try Mary Jo as she does have them in stock, or ebay. I see them there every couple of weeks.

Dave Christensen

[Dave Christensen]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Matt,
Try the Autozone. When I went through this exercise several weeks ago several people told me about their success with Autozone temp. sensors working for them. I went to two of them in California and was not so lucky. They had a resistance just under 600 ohms at room temperature and 70 ohms at 212 degrees, about the same as a new AC/Delco, which we have all confirmed does not work. (Thermal coefficient = 3.87 ohms/degree F)

I bought another from Mary Jo for $40. At room temperature the resistance was 675 ohms. At 212 (boiling point) it was 104 ohms. This will probably work. I found an original sensor in an original 1956 4Bbl manifold. It measured 690 ohms at room temperature and 125 ohms at 212 degrees. (Thermal coefficient = 4.12 ohms/degree F) I believe that it is the correct calibration for a 56/57 gauge anyway.

If you use a 55 ohm resistor with a new AC/Delco sensor you would read exactly right at 212 degrees F. When your gauge reads 220F the actual temperature would be about 220.5 degrees F. When the actual temperature is 180F your gauge will read 182 F. I would not lose any sleep (or worry about my motor) over this accuracy.

Or, try Mary Jo as she does have them in stock, or ebay. I see them there every couple of weeks.

Dave Christensen

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

I just recently bought one of the Wells TU5's at Autozone for a spsre. It reads just a shade over 700 ohms at room temp. If you have a digital ohmmeter, take it with you when you go shopping. BTW, Wells nomenclature for the sender is "temperature switch".

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

I just recently bought one of the Wells TU5's at Autozone for a spsre. It reads just a shade over 700 ohms at room temp. If you have a digital ohmmeter, take it with you when you go shopping. BTW, Wells nomenclature for the sender is "temperature switch".

[Matt F.]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Thanks Ed and Dave for all your assistance - I'll try the Wells sender and see how it goes.

Matt

[Matt F.]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Thanks Ed and Dave for all your assistance - I'll try the Wells sender and see how it goes.

Matt

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Ed, Is there a reason for a digital ohm meter? I have an analog unit. Wouldn't that work as well, other than being able to get a more precise (down to the tenths of an ohm) reading?

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Ed, Is there a reason for a digital ohm meter? I have an analog unit. Wouldn't that work as well, other than being able to get a more precise (down to the tenths of an ohm) reading?

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Difficult to get one of the little inexpensive alalog units to read closely enough to be dependable. They are usually a go-no go sort of deal. A good analog meter should be ok.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '60 temp sensor, redux

Difficult to get one of the little inexpensive alalog units to read closely enough to be dependable. They are usually a go-no go sort of deal. A good analog meter should be ok.