66 temp gauge removal

[Robert P.]

Hi, can i remove the temp gauge without removing the cluster , have a new delco gauge that is not reading correct
thanks Bob

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 temp gauge removal

Bob,

Make sure that the correct sending unit is installed in the manifold. Many times the incorrect one is installed or installed incorrectly and reads about 40 degrees too hot!

JR

[Bill M.]

Re: 66 temp gauge removal

Bob sorry to say but no. I just replaced my odometer assembly and tachometer face. I did not remove the steering column. I took out the seat to make it easier to get to all the bulbs and cables
Bill

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 temp gauge removal

As said earlier, gauge replacement is a real PITA! I'd purchase a new sender and install it first..... If the gauge reads at all, more than likely it is ok and the sender is at fault.
I had a sender that would indicate fine to about 130 deg and then the meter would peg above that. Another easy test is attach a "decade resistor box" in place of the sender and change the resistance in increments. This definitely will tell you if the indicator has a fault.
You might find a relatively cheap ($20) decade box on Ebay as they are "ancient" lab devices and not in demand.......

[Robert P.]

Re: 66 temp gauge removal

I should have given more info , The new gauge i installed is a delco 6402594 and i was only doing a dry run on the instrument cluster not ready to start engine yet . I turned the key to the on position and the temp needle went to around 2:00 i then took the wire off the sender and grounded the terminal and the needle went to 5:00. i have read after writing the original post there have been a lot of issues with the delco gauges

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 temp gauge removal

Robert,
Place a resistor of about 130 ohms in place of the sender, one end grounded and the other connected to the sender wire going to the gauge. If all is correct, you should get a temp reading of about 180 +/- degrees on the gauge.
When you ground the wire the at the sender, the gauge will deflect fully (HOT).
This circuit works such that high resistance will have a low indicated temp and low resistance will have a high indicated temp.