Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Corellian Corvette · 03-07-2006, 01:01 AM

Hey everyone!

Question - For all you owners with functional gages - where should the temp gage rest when the truck is at operating temp?

Here's the story:

Pulled the cluster out tonight to rebuild. When I got the truck the the stock temp gage was pegged and the P.O. had installed an aftermarket one.

I knew the problem was likely a grounded wire somewhere and sure enough the little metal tabs on the back were really loose.

Got it all re-assembled and back in tonight and it's nice to have full lights and functional signals again!

Now, the gage seems to be working (at least it rests at C instead of off the chart) - but I'm wondering if it's working correctly. There is a 195deg thermostat, and the aftermarket gage rests right at 195. So that appears to be right. However, the dash gage comes to rest at about the 1/4 mark past C. I was assuming the right resting place would be about 1/2 way.

If 195 should be 1/2 way, how would I go about fixing it?

Thanks!

cliffsta · 03-07-2006, 01:52 AM

mine rests right above the 1/4 mark at operating temp assuming it's not extremely cold or hot outside.

Prerunner1982 · 03-07-2006, 03:10 PM

i agree, both of my trucks rest at or just aboe the first tick.. or 1/4 mark...

Corellian Corvette · 03-07-2006, 09:43 PM

Good news then! Sounds like it's working. I assume you guys are also running stock thermostats?

Thanks!

RUST · 03-07-2006, 10:05 PM

Yeap! 1/4 mark with 195 thermo

jermasaurus · 03-07-2006, 10:15 PM

Mine is right by the middle at operating temperature. with a 195 thermostat.

I had a 160 in it before and it was right about where you guys are saying.

jeremy

Russell · 03-08-2006, 02:04 AM

If you've got a newer sending unit with an older gauge, it will just barely come off the C, but if you've got a newer gauge with an older sending unit, it'll sit at about half way.

Corellian Corvette · 03-08-2006, 02:10 AM

Judging by this car - it's the original sending unit and I'm pretty sure the original gauge.

03-07-2006, 01:01 AM	#1
Corellian Corvette Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kirkland, WA Posts: 51	Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? Hey everyone! Question - For all you owners with functional gages - where should the temp gage rest when the truck is at operating temp? Here's the story: Pulled the cluster out tonight to rebuild. When I got the truck the the stock temp gage was pegged and the P.O. had installed an aftermarket one. I knew the problem was likely a grounded wire somewhere and sure enough the little metal tabs on the back were really loose. Got it all re-assembled and back in tonight and it's nice to have full lights and functional signals again! Now, the gage seems to be working (at least it rests at C instead of off the chart) - but I'm wondering if it's working correctly. There is a 195deg thermostat, and the aftermarket gage rests right at 195. So that appears to be right. However, the dash gage comes to rest at about the 1/4 mark past C. I was assuming the right resting place would be about 1/2 way. If 195 should be 1/2 way, how would I go about fixing it? Thanks!

03-07-2006, 01:52 AM	#2
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? mine rests right above the 1/4 mark at operating temp assuming it's not extremely cold or hot outside. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

03-07-2006, 03:10 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? i agree, both of my trucks rest at or just aboe the first tick.. or 1/4 mark... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

03-07-2006, 09:43 PM	#4
Corellian Corvette Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kirkland, WA Posts: 51	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? Good news then! Sounds like it's working. I assume you guys are also running stock thermostats? Thanks!

03-07-2006, 10:05 PM	#5
RUST Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Roanoke, AL Posts: 18	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? Yeap! 1/4 mark with 195 thermo

03-07-2006, 10:15 PM	#6
jermasaurus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Lenox, IL Posts: 442	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? Mine is right by the middle at operating temperature. with a 195 thermostat. I had a 160 in it before and it was right about where you guys are saying. jeremy __________________ 79 Jimmy slammed AKA James Down

03-08-2006, 02:04 AM	#7
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? If you've got a newer sending unit with an older gauge, it will just barely come off the C, but if you've got a newer gauge with an older sending unit, it'll sit at about half way. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

03-08-2006, 02:10 AM	#8
Corellian Corvette Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kirkland, WA Posts: 51	Re: Question about Temp Gage - where should it rest normally? Judging by this car - it's the original sending unit and I'm pretty sure the original gauge.

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