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Need Help With The Temperature Gauge!!!

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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 04:55 PM
  #1  
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Default Need Help With The Temperature Gauge!!!

Ok, so a few days ago I overheated my engine because the fan clutch wasnt working the way it should, the engine is fine... replaced the fan clutch, it has a new thermostat, its good on antifreeze.. BUT, my temperature gauge isnt working, and i dont know what wire to look for to connect to the sensor... and i'm scared i'll overheat the car again. So i'm kinda stuck & not sure what to do.

If the fan clutch is brand new and working as well as the thermostat, & we just put in some antifreeze/coolant... will my car overheat again?? what can cause it to overheat again??
and how can i fix the temperature gauge??
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 05:01 PM
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You give no indication in your post or profile what year car you have? On mine, 1969, the temperature sender is towards the front of the driver side cylinder head and has a single green wire attached to it, so check if your wire is disconnected. There are many causes for overheating, clogged cooling system, head gasket, etc., but you stated it was the fan clutch so why do you now think it is something else.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 05:25 PM
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oh i'm sorry, i have a 79!!..
& i know where the sensor is.. i just cant find the wire. This is gonna sound stupid but its a big mess under the hood right now.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 05:57 PM
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Hi MS,
What did you notice about the fan clutch to make you think it's not working?
Do you have the proper fan shroud mounted, all the foam seals around the radiator and above the core support, and the proper chin spoiler for your car?
Regards,
Alan
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 08:13 PM
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age of radiator? if it's the original, probably needs replacement.
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by MishkaSaenz
...i know where the sensor is.. i just cant find the wire. This is gonna sound stupid but its a big mess under the hood right now...
Clean things up, reconnect the temp sender wire, check the gauge.

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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 04:03 PM
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As it relates to the temp sending wire, on my somewhat 80 the temp gauge wire is green... I think. Assuming it's the same on your 79, look for a green wire somewhere near where the temp sending unit threads into the engine. Even with a mess, its got to be fairly close by unless someone really did a hack job on the wiring. Do you have an electrical schematic for reference?

Once you confirm you have the temp sending unit wired correctly, check to see if the gauge works. If not, you will need to confirm if the temp sending unit itself is bad. I just had to replace mine. You can check ohms on the sending unit to confirm if it is working. There are some terrific how to videos on Willcox Corvette site including one for testing your temp gauge. Here is a link to combined video thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...eo-thread.html

Last edited by Frankenvette; Sep 3, 2014 at 04:12 PM.
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 04:39 PM
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Frankenvette is correct, I have the same issue, I found my wire taped up and tucked up under the wire wrap, right near the alternator. I pulled mine out connected it and still nothing, so I have to dig a bit further, but if your wire is still there, that is where you should find it. we also have a 79. The wire was a darker green.
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