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Topic: Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/6/04 11:33am Message 1 of 11
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Marion, IA - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Just bought it from my uncle who owned it since 1971. Fathom green, green interior. 350/300, T400.
The temp gauge on my '69 isn't working, it's stuck about 1/4 of the way up, is there a way to test it? I don't think it's the sender, I've never had a sender act like that, has anyone else?
Thanks,
Matt


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Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/6/04 12:38pm Message 2 of 11
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Canada
Joined: 10/10/2003
Posts: 53
Vette(s): 1972 Stingray
Hey Mark,

My Guage was acting funny as well. If you take the wire off the sender on the engine block and ground it against something the guage should peak. Try this first to see if the guage is responding correctly. If it is it is your sender, if not possibly a short in the wire somewhere.

For me it was just the sender. I unscrewed the old one and screwed in the new one and have had no problems since.

Good Luck!


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/6/04 1:45pm Message 3 of 11
Former Member
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Marion, IA - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Just bought it from my uncle who owned it since 1971. Fathom green, green interior. 350/300, T400.
I'll give 'er a try.

Thanks for the good info,

Matt


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/6/04 3:07pm Message 4 of 11
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goldens bridge, NY - USA
Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac
Good advise- it worked for me - sender was bad
Al



Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/7/04 8:31pm Message 5 of 11
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
I prefer to try it in three conditons, unplugged, grounded, and with a test light or resistor in between the wire and ground. This will give you pegged cold, pegged hot, and something inbetween. It you get all three, replace the sending unit. Most of the time it's the sending unit.


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/8/04 5:59am Message 6 of 11
Former Member
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Marion, IA - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Just bought it from my uncle who owned it since 1971. Fathom green, green interior. 350/300, T400.
Thanks Guys, it worked! I grounded the wire and the gauge jumped to the top, when I disconnected it, it went back to the bottom. It works now, but I think the sender is reading too low. I will opt for a new sender. I was all ready to fork over $60 for a new gauge and the pain in the butt to change it, you guys saved me a BIG hassle. I really appreciate all the good advice here.
Thanks Again,
Matt


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/8/04 5:59am Message 7 of 11
Former Member
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Marion, IA - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Just bought it from my uncle who owned it since 1971. Fathom green, green interior. 350/300, T400.
Thanks Guys, it worked! I grounded the wire and the gauge jumped to the top, when I disconnected it, it went back to the bottom. It works now, but I think the sender is reading too low. I will opt for a new sender. I was all ready to fork over $60 for a new gauge and the pain in the butt to change it, you guys saved me a BIG hassle. I really appreciate all the good advice here.
Thanks Again,
Matt


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/8/04 6:57am Message 8 of 11
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TOLEDO, OH - USA
Joined: 3/11/2003
Posts: 25
Vette(s): 1969 corvette coupe
If you renove the sending unit, do you have to plug the hole to prevent any fluid from leaking?

I've never taken it out, and forgot to do it when I changed my oil...

Is it just tapped into the block or drilled through?


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Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/8/04 3:54pm Message 9 of 11
Former Member
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Marion, IA - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Just bought it from my uncle who owned it since 1971. Fathom green, green interior. 350/300, T400.
I haven't done it yet, but the hole usually goes into the water jacket. I think you have to drain the anti freeze.

Matt


Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

Posted: 8/8/04 6:50pm Message 10 of 11
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
should be in the drivers side head..

usually when I remove the sender temporarily (to take it to the parts store for example)

i just use a threaded plug... i think it is a 3/4" plug..

remember to pipe tape it.. if you have the plug ready and handy and pull the sender you can put your thumb over the hole and slide the plug in place and screw it in..

you'll lose a little water but if you do it right.. very little


in Forum: C3 Electrical


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