1981 Oil Temperature Gauge

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Sep 12, 2015 | 12:14 AM

apd628

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1981 Oil Temperature Gauge

I have no reading on the oil temperature gauge. I checked at the sensor, it is plugged into the factory wiring harness.

I checked for power at the wiring harness plug in for the sensor, "0" volts with the ignition switch off. With the ignition switch in the on position, I have 11.9 volts showing on my meter.

The sending unit looks to be pretty old, do you all think I need a new sending unit? Just checking because they are fairly expensive. All three wires are plugged into the back of the factory oil temp gauge in the instrument cluster.

Thanks

Sep 12, 2015 | 07:09 AM

SH-60B

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Meriden CT

I didn't know they had an oil temp gage. Is it an oil pressure gage or coolant temperature gage? Both those are 1 wire sensors on my '79

Sep 12, 2015 | 08:29 AM

Yeller81USNRet

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Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Grafton WV

I have a oil temp gauge on my 81 and it works. The temp will go up when running at highway speeds 70 MPH.

Sep 12, 2015 | 11:20 AM

Richard Cooper

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Joined: Feb 1999

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From: New Paltz, New York USA

I too have an oil temperature gauge in my 81. It has a single wire on the sender. If I take the wire off the sender and ground it then turn the key on it should make the gauge go all the way up. This will tell you is the gauge is working.

Sep 12, 2015 | 12:01 PM

apd628

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Cooper

Thanks Mr. Cooper, the gauge checked out fine, just need a sending unit. Just have to shop around and fine the best deal I can find on one. The prices I have found range from $65.00 to $95.00.
Great advice, thanks again.

Sep 12, 2015 | 01:10 PM

rastafford3164

Racer

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 311

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From: Sparta NC

Check your local autoparts. Think i got mine at O parts. No vette tax. I'm not home now but can post the part number later if you need it.

Sep 13, 2015 | 10:52 AM

SwampeastMike

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From: Cape Girardeau Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

I didn't know they had an oil temp gage. Is it an oil pressure gage or coolant temperature gage? Both those are 1 wire sensors on my '79

In the last couple years they used a digital clock built into the radio and needed something to fill that hole in the gauge pack.

Mar 14, 2025 | 02:38 PM

bclark0609

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Joined: Dec 2024

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oil pressure gage

Good afternoon, if i ohm out my gage and get 70 ohms is it still possible the Gage is not working? I see alot of post that want you to pull wire to see if gage pegs and ive done that still gage is not working. stopped working when i replaced paper circuit board?