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Temp Gauge Broke

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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 12:49 AM
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Default Temp Gauge Broke

I started up the car, noticed the needle bouncing back erratically and then it shot all of the way to the right and hasn't moved. My first thoughts are that its either the sensor or gauge itself. Any one have suggestions on how to check to see where the problem is?
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 01:51 AM
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Originally Posted by sabre1981
I started up the car, noticed the needle bouncing back erratically and then it shot all of the way to the right and hasn't moved. My first thoughts are that its either the sensor or gauge itself. Any one have suggestions on how to check to see where the problem is?
Disconnect the sensor. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance at room temperature. It should read ~550 ohms depending on the temp. The resistance will decrease as the engine warms up. At 180*, it will read ~123 ohms.

If the sensor checks out, it could be the gauge or a short in the wiring.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 06:21 AM
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If sensor checks out, Check your grounds.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 01:17 PM
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The sensor wire is broken somewhere. The most likely place is right behind the connector that fits on the temp sensor pin.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 01:30 PM
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Could be something as simple as a loose connector at the sensor or it is dirty.

I'd take a look at the connector and check the wiring at the connector, lots of vibration on the wire going into the connector.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 09:32 PM
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Finally got around to checking it out...can someone remind where the temp sensor is, please. LOL.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 10:00 PM
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I have a '79 and mine is on the side of the driver's side head between cyl 1 & 3.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 10:23 PM
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Default similar problem

I hesitate to hijack the thread. I have a very similar problem. I took the car out of storage. When the temperature did not read above 120F, I installed a new 180F thermostat thinking it was stuck open. The old one looked perfect. Shame on me.

The block sender reads the correct ohms for 180F when the thermostat opens as noted by the hot water flow in the top hose.

With the thermostat open at 180F and a resistance of around 150 ohms, the temperature gauge still indicates around 120F. That's corresponds to about 200 ohms too high. I am now searching for other sources of resistance.
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Old Apr 19, 2012 | 12:51 AM
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Teflon tape on the sender threads. The electrical ground for that circuit is the 'bare metal' connection between the threads on the sender and cylinder head. If you used tape or an insulating pipe compound, that circuit resistance could have increased.

Or, the sender is bad....
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