Oil Temp Gauge 1981

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May 22, 2011 | 09:42 PM

Mark Hawkins

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From: Goose Creek SC

Oil Temp Gauge 1981

Hey, I have an '81 with an oil temp gauge in leu of the clock. The temp reading doesn't appear to move much once the engine starts. What are some numbers that the oil temp should be reading? Thanks.

May 23, 2011 | 07:47 AM

Yeller81USNRet

Racer

Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Grafton WV

on my 81 the oil temp reads about 210 220 when the engine is fully warmed up and a run down the freeway for about a hour.
Ken

May 23, 2011 | 09:28 AM

mikejpss

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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.

St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13

Mark, it takes some time to see a reading. Give it at least 30-40 minutes.

May 23, 2011 | 09:32 AM

terry82

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From: columbia city in

it does take a long time to warm up .try cleaning the connections on the sending unit.you might even take out the sending unit and check for a build up of dirt or sludge .

May 23, 2011 | 03:34 PM

hugie82

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From: Bridgewater nj

Mine barely moves around town but the steady resistance on the engine going down the highway will get it up to 230-250* with a hard run of 80-90+MPH

May 23, 2011 | 04:41 PM

jb78L-82

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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN

I have the 81 oil temp gauge and sending unit in the stock location above the oil filter and around town on a 75 degree day the gauge reads about 160-170, just before the first hash mark on the gauge. 80-90 degree day at 70-80 mph the gauge reads right at the 12 o'clock mark, 250!

May 23, 2011 | 10:32 PM

Mark Hawkins

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From: Goose Creek SC

thanks, mine stays around the first mark.

May 23, 2011 | 10:32 PM

Mark Hawkins

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Goose Creek SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry82

it does take a long time to warm up .try cleaning the connections on the sending unit.you might even take out the sending unit and check for a build up of dirt or sludge .

Thanks, I will do like you suggest and remove it and clean in.