Temperature gauge
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Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11
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Temperature gauge
I am wondering if anyone knows why my new temp gauge is not working it will advance to 120-130 degrees when driving though stops there, I have a temp gauge on my radiator cap that reads otherwise up to 190 degrees. 1977 C3 Thanks, Tim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Tim,
Your gauge on the Rad is mechanical and somewhat reliable. Few people feel the need for a gauge at that location.
Your electrical temp gauge indicates it's trying to work but has a fault. And that fault is most likely a poor ground.
And that is exactly what the single wire going to the sender is. A ground wire.
With any luck, it's just some dirt, grime, grease on the senders connector.
Usually, a good degreasing and a little sandpaper on both the sender and the wire terminal will bring the better grounding into play.
Your gauge on the Rad is mechanical and somewhat reliable. Few people feel the need for a gauge at that location.
Your electrical temp gauge indicates it's trying to work but has a fault. And that fault is most likely a poor ground.
And that is exactly what the single wire going to the sender is. A ground wire.
With any luck, it's just some dirt, grime, grease on the senders connector.
Usually, a good degreasing and a little sandpaper on both the sender and the wire terminal will bring the better grounding into play.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Did your old temp guage work? If not did you test anything to determine why it didn't work? Green wire connected to the sender between cylinders 1 and 3 in head? Have you tested by putting green wire to ground? Results?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Sending unit should not have non-conducting sealant or teflon tape on the threads. That threaded joint is the electrical ground connection for the circuit. Also, "new" (aftermarket) gauges and sending units are notorious for being poorly calibrated.
