82 Temp Gauge Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: North Ridgeville Ohio
82 Temp Gauge Question
I received a new reproduction water temp gauge. The instruction says the original resistor is not needed and to replace it with the enclosed spacer. The new spacer is attached to the 6-12 position on the new gauge instead of the 3-9 position per the Willcox site. I would assume I need to move it to 3-9 before installing. Also I lost the small insulator washer on the old gauge. Do I still need it and what should I use in its place? I don't want to remove the cluster again.
Thank you for your help
Ed
Thank you for your help
Ed
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: North Ridgeville Ohio
Yes I did that. Gauge came from Corvette Central. Talked to customer service. All they could tell me was "install as the gauge came" but the instructions say "replace the current resistor with the spacer". Everything I've read says the resistor should be in the 3-9 position but the new spacer is in 6-12. All Willcox videos show it in 3-9. I'm more confused than usual.
Ed
Ed
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: North Ridgeville Ohio
The source gave me 2 different answers. They say install as received and the instruction in the box says to replace resistor as it is on the original. I searched everywhere on the net for an answer. I've purchased from Willcox many times and the only reason I bought the gauge from Corvette Central was I was given a $100 gift certificate for them. I wouldn't have thought that would have been a problem.
Ed
Ed
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 518
Likes: 12
From: Panhandle
Willcox Tech Paper
He mentioned Wilcox because they have a Very Good Tech Paper on the subject! Go towards the back of the paper and it shows the resistor at the 3 & 9 o'clock position for the 80-82 Vettes.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructi...Revised_R3.pdf
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,726
Likes: 2,579
I read willcox paper
He mentioned Wilcox because they have a Very Good Tech Paper on the subject! Go towards the back of the paper and it shows the resistor at the 3 & 9 o'clock position for the 80-82 Vettes.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructi...Revised_R3.pdf
http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructi...Revised_R3.pdf
Last edited by MelWff; Mar 14, 2014 at 07:20 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Go with the instructions with the gauge. CC's "techs" [and I use that term VERY loosley] don't have a clue!!! If there were instructions with the gauge, follow them.
Again, install the gauge and just set the cluster in general location, but don't bolt it up or put dash pad in place. Test the system with engine warmed up to assess function and [approx.] accuracy of the gauge. When you are satisfied, do the "final assembly" stuff.
Again, install the gauge and just set the cluster in general location, but don't bolt it up or put dash pad in place. Test the system with engine warmed up to assess function and [approx.] accuracy of the gauge. When you are satisfied, do the "final assembly" stuff.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: North Ridgeville Ohio
Yes I didn't trust the CC techs either. The gauge I took out had the resistor in the 3-9 position. I'll do as you suggest and put the spacer in the 3-9 position. If it doesn't work I'll try the other setting. It seems like the best solution. I'll reinstall the dash when I get it worked out.
Thanks
Ed
Thanks
Ed
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I know the answer....
The original resistor was between the 3-9 studs.. place the spacer in that same position. Yes, you'll need that washer too.
Here is a copy of the instructions included with the repro gauge:
Temp gauge instructions for new gauges:
When removing old gauge from the mounting plate, note the position of both the insulators and the wire terminals. You may want to draw a sketch of their positions. Due to improved design, (not so sure about how improved they are), this precision gauge will not feed the old wire wrapped or porcelain resistor; discard it. Then install the new gauge carefully on the mounting plate making sure the studs are centered in the holes and the insulator is in place, also reinstall the small insulator on the one stud with no terminals. Tighten the nuts to 8-12 inch pounds, or enough to secure the gauge. Accuracy of this gauge is precision wound to the original Delco specs and is extremely accurate. If your new gauge does not read correctly then you may have to replace the engine sender unit with the correct Delco part. Your dealer who sells these gauges has the correct delco restoration part in stock.
The original resistor was between the 3-9 studs.. place the spacer in that same position. Yes, you'll need that washer too.
Here is a copy of the instructions included with the repro gauge:
Temp gauge instructions for new gauges:
When removing old gauge from the mounting plate, note the position of both the insulators and the wire terminals. You may want to draw a sketch of their positions. Due to improved design, (not so sure about how improved they are), this precision gauge will not feed the old wire wrapped or porcelain resistor; discard it. Then install the new gauge carefully on the mounting plate making sure the studs are centered in the holes and the insulator is in place, also reinstall the small insulator on the one stud with no terminals. Tighten the nuts to 8-12 inch pounds, or enough to secure the gauge. Accuracy of this gauge is precision wound to the original Delco specs and is extremely accurate. If your new gauge does not read correctly then you may have to replace the engine sender unit with the correct Delco part. Your dealer who sells these gauges has the correct delco restoration part in stock.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 17, 2014 at 04:15 PM.