Aluminum heads and temp gauge

[Jim H.]

Hi Group;
Anyone have experience with Aluminum heads and the original temperature sending unit and gauge? I installed Aluminum heads and then installed the original and working temp. sensor to the original temp gauge (which was working). The temp delta is about 30degs to low? I tried a new gauge and temp sending unit same reading. So, is there a resistance difference between the steel heads and the aluminum ones that creates this temp difference? If so can I add a resistor to calibrate?

Thanks,
Jim Hilton
43119 RMC

[Jim L.]

Re: Aluminum heads and temp gauge

.... is there a resistance difference between the steel heads and the aluminum ones that creates this temp difference? If so can I add a resistor to calibrate?

Iron and aluminum do have different resistivities but the difference it makes in your application is negligible. IOW, that's not the reason for the change in gauge reading.

Adding a resistor to calibrate the gauge isn't a solution. Besides the fact that the additional resistance will make your gauge read even lower, it will also produce an accurate gauge at exactly one temperature.... if then.

It might be a good idea do some more sleuthing to find out what's really going on.

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: Aluminum heads and temp gauge

Hi Group;
Anyone have experience with Aluminum heads and the original temperature sending unit and gauge? I installed Aluminum heads and then installed the original and working temp. sensor to the original temp gauge (which was working). The temp delta is about 30degs to low? I tried a new gauge and temp sending unit same reading. So, is there a resistance difference between the steel heads and the aluminum ones that creates this temp difference? If so can I add a resistor to calibrate?

Thanks,
Jim Hilton
43119 RMC

Jim------


Did you use any sealer or teflon tape on the temp sender? While others have reported no problems when using either, I have DEFINITELY had problems when I did this once-upon-a-time. If you did use sealer or teflon tape, I would suggest thoroughly removing it.