Temperature Gauge

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Jan 27, 2016 | 06:03 AM

veeeight

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 154

Likes: 1

From: Warwick UK

Temperature Gauge

Hi All,

I need to replace my temperature gauge in a 66 C2. Is it possible to do this with out pulling the complete cluster as I do not fancy going to all that work just to replace one gauge.
Thanks Phil

Jan 27, 2016 | 06:52 AM

rtruman

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,528

Likes: 444

Quote:

Originally Posted by veeeight

impossible the whole back side needs to come off , I think you could do more damage
trying to get it installed just saying

Last edited by rtruman; Jan 27, 2016 at 07:57 AM.

Jan 27, 2016 | 07:38 AM

65GGvert

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 22,197

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From: Kannapolis NC

Before you start, are you sure the gauge needs replacing? Is this a cosmetic or functional reason? There are three or four other things that can cause gauge readings to be wrong besides the gauge. Just trying to save you some trouble.

Jan 27, 2016 | 08:40 AM

veeeight

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 154

Likes: 1

From: Warwick UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65GGvert

It is a functional reason. I have had constant problems when the engine warms up with the gauge needle going off the scale and after 20 mins dropping back to a normal reading. I have used an IR gun and the temp is normal, also have changed the sender unit.
Now the gauge needle is stuck in a position off the scale, so I would like to try a new gauge.
Phil

Jan 27, 2016 | 10:24 AM

65GGvert

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 22,197

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From: Kannapolis NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by veeeight

That doesn't sound like the gauge. If you get a gauge, before you pull the dash apart, put a wire from the battery on one side of the gauge and connect a jumper from the top of the temp sensor (pull off the green wire) to the other side and test the new gauge. You would need to have the engine temp up a little in order not to read at the bottom if you do it that way. Something else to check is in the bulkhead connector below the master cylinder (closest plug of the two to the center line of the car). Make sure there is a good connection and no corrosion on either side of that connector. If the needle is stuck in the off scale position even with the key off and cooled down, something drove it up there to start with, so you may have more than one problem. I'd try tapping the gauge with the key off to see if it will drop down. NOT on the glass, but beside the gauge. If it does drop, then you need to check those connections to see why it went so high. You could also have a short on the green wire going to the temp sensor that would drive the needle full high. Maybe burned on the exhaust manifold or worn through against some metal. A gauge normally won't peg by itself, it takes 12v to drive it to the top.

Last edited by 65GGvert; Jan 27, 2016 at 10:24 AM.

Jan 27, 2016 | 11:04 AM

veeeight

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 154

Likes: 1

From: Warwick UK

Thanks 65GGvert for you helpful advice.
I have tried tapping the gauge with key on and off but it is still stuck in the off scale position. Up until recently when it was in the off the scale position it would return to zero when the ignition was turned on but not now.
I will try your other suggestions

Jan 27, 2016 | 01:13 PM

mrtexas

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,388

Likes: 65

From: Sugar Land tx

You can replace it without pulling the dash. Install some 1/4 20 all thread on a couple of the mounting screw holes. You should then be able to pull out the dash just enough to get the temperature gauge out.

Aug 3, 2021 | 07:02 PM

Retiredat62

4th Gear

Joined: Aug 2021

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Well, all I can say is I've had my 63 since 72 and this is the 2nd time in 20 yrs I've had to go through it. Not to come off like a know it all, it has to come out. First thing is steering wheel comes off, then seat comes out and if you have a convertible like I do put the top down, put a towel on the back deck for your legs and feet and put your back on the floor and head under the wiring etc. I would let the column loose from the u bolt and clamps at the cluster, it'll give you a little more room, if you want to take the whole shebang out there is really no guess work going back in. Grooved end of shaft has a flat spot for the bolt to slide over and there is no guess work. anything else let me know
.