Possible Bad Temperature Unit

[The Rebel]

My unit may be bad as last year l noticed that my gauge barely moved when in the past the gauge worked properly.

I'd like to get a NOS or at least a modern one.

Need to do some research as to who sells them. EDIT: Just checked BRE & they have them and a correct date coded one to boot!

Not sure if it matters but it would be for a 68 383 Charger.

 

[eldubb440]

thermostat may be stuck open ....... just a thought

 

[dadsbee]

Take the wire off... key on and touch the wire to the block for a quick bit. See if the gauge goes full scale!

 

[The Rebel]

If it was stuck open wouldn't the temperature be high? My gauge barely moves to the right.

thermostat may be stuck open ....... just a thought

That's a great trick, will give it a shot, thanks!

Take the wire off... key on and touch the wire to the block for a quick bit. See if the gauge goes full scale!

 

[The Rebel]

Took the charger out today for an oil change and watched the temp gauge. Looks like it's reading a little bit over 120*, so perhaps I was wrong that the unit was faulty.

Wayne, I tied your trick, but nothing happened. My block is painted so would that perhaps cause the gauge to not move? Do I need to do it on bare metal?

Take the wire off... key on and touch the wire to the block for a quick bit. See if the gauge goes full scale!

 

[eldubb440]

If it was stuck open wouldn't the temperature be high? My gauge barely moves to the right.

an open thermostat could easily keep an engine from getting up to temperature

 

[dadsbee]

Took the charger out today for an oil change and watched the temp gauge. Looks like it's reading a little bit over 120*, so perhaps I was wrong that the unit was faulty.

Wayne, I tied your trick, but nothing happened. My block is painted so would that perhaps cause the gauge to not move? Do I need to do it on bare metal?

Yes you need to touch it to a bare ground... have someone watch the gauge while you do and get them to YELL when it goes full scale and immediately remove wire from ground. Remember the key has to be in the run position...

 

[The Rebel]

Ok thanks, before I do that does my reading a bit over 120* seem normal?

Also stupid question l know but do l do this with the engine running or not. Appreciate all of your help.

Yes you need to touch it to a bare ground... have someone watch the gauge while you do and get them to YELL when it goes full scale and immediately remove wire from ground. Remember the key has to be in the run position...

 

[dadsbee]

Just turn on the key to run... no need to start it.

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks Wayne l appreciate it!

Just turn on the key to run... no need to start it.