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Topic: Engine temp gauge

in Forum: C3 Electrical

Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/26/07 4:25pm Message 1 of 9
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Rocklin, CA - USA
Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 484
Vette(s): 1970 T-Top350/350hp numbers matching 4 speed. It's a mess and 1970 Convertible 4 speed.
Hey my engine temp gauge is not working. Whats the best way to trouble shoot the problem? I have a 70 vette


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Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/26/07 5:53pm Message 2 of 9
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Posts: 17

I have the same issue on my 72. The issue started just after I had rebuilt the heads and replaced the temp sensor. The gauge work intermittently for about 1 month before it finally failed to provide any reading.

I was never 100% confident in the temperature I purchased a new one from a more reliable source.
 
Sorry, I don't have the answer to your problem. I will be interested to hear if anyone has any ideas. Just in case the new sensor doesn't solve my problem.
 



Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/26/07 8:08pm Message 3 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Ground the wire for the sensor to the block. The gauge should peg out(Hot). If it doesn't, there is a break in the wire from the sensor to the gauge, the gauge is bad, or the resistor on the back of the gauge is bad.
You need to determine if the gauge is getting power(12v) before condemning it, tho.
Does the gas gauge and the park brake warning lights work? They all get 12v from the same source.


Joel Adams
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Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/27/07 5:03am Message 4 of 9
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Rocklin, CA - USA
Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 484
Vette(s): 1970 T-Top350/350hp numbers matching 4 speed. It's a mess and 1970 Convertible 4 speed.
Adam my new best friend yes the gas gauge does work. I will start off with replacing the sensor on the block and work my way from there.


Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/28/07 4:35am Message 5 of 9
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Grand Blanc, MI - USA
Joined: 8/7/2002
Posts: 544
Vette(s): 1979, 350sb, as my kids affectionately call it "shit brown" Corvette purchased in 1996. 84,000+ miles. Not a show car, but I love her just the same.
Oss:
Might save yourself some green by checking the "less" expensive options first.  My temp gauge stopped working after repairs to the engine and it turned out to be a simple broken wire between the sending unit and the gauge.
 
I personally don't think you should by a new sensor until you're absolutely sure you need one.
 
Good luck



Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/30/07 8:03pm Message 6 of 9
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Rocklin, CA - USA
Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 484
Vette(s): 1970 T-Top350/350hp numbers matching 4 speed. It's a mess and 1970 Convertible 4 speed.
I peg the censor wire to the block and no reading. Would a volt meter to the back of the gage tell me if it is getting juice?


Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/30/07 8:16pm Message 7 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You should have three wires going to the back of the temp gauge. Pink, black, and dark green. Check the pink wire for 12v. If the gas gauge is working, as stated above, the gauge is probably getting power. I would suspect a break in the wire from the sensor itself. You may have to start tracing that wire from the sending unit, back to the gauge. Chances are, tho, you'll find the problem under the hood.


I'm gonna be real silly and ask if you had the key on when you tested the gauge by grounding the wire?Adams' Apple2007-03-30 20:17:45


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


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             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/30/07 8:21pm Message 8 of 9
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Rocklin, CA - USA
Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 484
Vette(s): 1970 T-Top350/350hp numbers matching 4 speed. It's a mess and 1970 Convertible 4 speed.

No I have not tested the gage that is why I ask about a volt meter.




Engine temp gauge

Posted: 3/30/07 8:24pm Message 9 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Sorry, what I meant was when you grounded the wire that goes to the sensor to the block...


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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