Temp Gauge Wrong Location?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Temp Gauge Wrong Location?
I just bought a 1972 Coupe 350/200hp and the temperature gauge does not work. I was doing some troubleshooting and reading through the archives when I suspected something...
I have what I thought was the temp sending unit on the passenger side of the engine between cylinders 6 and 8, I'll need to take a picture... But I saw a post that says the 72' had the temp sending unit between cylinders 1 and 3 on the driiivers side...
So I checked there and all I see is what looks like a plug with perhaps a rubber top, if there was an electrical connection it has been broken off and left little evidence...
Any thoughts??
I have what I thought was the temp sending unit on the passenger side of the engine between cylinders 6 and 8, I'll need to take a picture... But I saw a post that says the 72' had the temp sending unit between cylinders 1 and 3 on the driiivers side...
So I checked there and all I see is what looks like a plug with perhaps a rubber top, if there was an electrical connection it has been broken off and left little evidence...Any thoughts??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Ok... so I did some digging to see what TCS meant, seems like I'm just fine with it being disconnected. But another project will be to see that it's been done correctly.
At least now I can try diagnosing from the right side of the motor.
I'm pretty sure I'll have to replace this temp sending unit. I need to find its counterpart cable/connector though, don't seem to see anything on that side of the motor...
At least now I can try diagnosing from the right side of the motor.
I'm pretty sure I'll have to replace this temp sending unit. I need to find its counterpart cable/connector though, don't seem to see anything on that side of the motor...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The '72 temp sender has just a single pin sticking out the top. There should be a dark green wire coming out of the alternator harness (right behind the alternator). That wire may still be in the bundle, but broken off. Take some of the tape wrapping off to see if you can find it. If so, just get a length of dark green 18 ga. wire and splice it in. You can get a new [correct] sender for your year car at lectriclimited.com. Local parts places have senders but they are not calibrated for your gauge. You can also buy a mating connector pin for the attaching wire from lectriclimited or find one at a local store.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Alright, thanks for the help! I was looking in the wrong location because I didn't see a free wire on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Low-and-behold the wire had been tied into a bundle of hot wires elsewhere just along the edge of the engine compartment, that side. I pulled the wire out and tested the guage. Used the emergency flasher under the passenger side dash as a resistor and it tests good! So now on to lectric to order a replacement sending unit!
Of course this opened another door to figure out what the free wires are on the passenger side of the vehicle. I'm sure its related to a disconnected TCS but we'll see.
Really excited to get this gauge working so I can make sure we're not overheating...!
Of course this opened another door to figure out what the free wires are on the passenger side of the vehicle. I'm sure its related to a disconnected TCS but we'll see.
Really excited to get this gauge working so I can make sure we're not overheating...!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
The temperature wire is also supposed to have an asphalt heat protection sleeve on it due to it's location being so close to the exhaust manifold.
Also, the connector is a flat spade lug that sticks straight out of the end of the sender. The wire should have a white plastic female connector.
cc
Also, the connector is a flat spade lug that sticks straight out of the end of the sender. The wire should have a white plastic female connector.
cc
Last edited by CCrane65; Oct 18, 2009 at 09:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
The wire is currently a green frayed wire with no connector.
Great call on the heat sleeve over the wire with it so close to the manifold, I'll do that. I have the temp sending unit on order, once it arrives I'll just match a connector to it and all should be well.
Great call on the heat sleeve over the wire with it so close to the manifold, I'll do that. I have the temp sending unit on order, once it arrives I'll just match a connector to it and all should be well.
