1972 SB temperature sending unit
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
1972 SB temperature sending unit
My temperature gauge on my '72 SB reads very cool temp - basically barely moves. Where is the temperature sending unit on my engine located? I thought it was on the drivers side around the spark plugs.
Also, do I need to remove the drivers lower dash pad to run the the wires/lines for the new sending unit?
Thanks for all the help.
Also, do I need to remove the drivers lower dash pad to run the the wires/lines for the new sending unit?
Thanks for all the help.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 39
From: North Brunswick NJ
The temp sending unit for you gauge is above the number 1 spark plug. I would check your termostat for proper operation before fooling with the wires and sending units. Did the combination of sending unit and gauge work properly before or is this a new set up.
Ed
Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ms72,
If you determine the problem is with the sending unit there won't need to any change in the wiring. The temp wire is part of the engine harness and plugs into the sending unit on the engine and is connected at the rear of the gauge in the cluster. You'll just need to change the sender.
Regards,
Alan
If you determine the problem is with the sending unit there won't need to any change in the wiring. The temp wire is part of the engine harness and plugs into the sending unit on the engine and is connected at the rear of the gauge in the cluster. You'll just need to change the sender.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
The temperature gauge and sending unit did work about three months ago - last time car was run for any time and it seemed to run cool but within range. Now, the last afternoon out, the gauge never really moved much above 100 degrees. I have replaced bulbs and clock in the center console. Is it possible to have loosened something on the back of the gauge?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
You might want to make sure the gauge works first, to test:
With the key "ON" remove the wire from the sending unit-gauge should go to "COLD".
Now ground the wire-the gauge should now go to "HOT".
If it does the above then the gauge is good and the sender is bad or your thermostat is stuck open.
With the key "ON" remove the wire from the sending unit-gauge should go to "COLD".
Now ground the wire-the gauge should now go to "HOT".
If it does the above then the gauge is good and the sender is bad or your thermostat is stuck open.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
If you do a search you will find lots of threads about temp sensors. A forum member (Roger) did some comparison testing fairly recently and this sensor, available at Advance Auto was one of the most accurate:
WT203Z
The nice thing is it only costs $7.00 so if that turns out not to be your problem you're not out a lot of $. The tip is different than the blade connector on my 72 but you can just turn the connector sideways and slip it on.
Rick B.
WT203Z
The nice thing is it only costs $7.00 so if that turns out not to be your problem you're not out a lot of $. The tip is different than the blade connector on my 72 but you can just turn the connector sideways and slip it on.
Rick B.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
