Help With Electrical Problem

[MikeN]

I installed a used instrument cluster with gauges in my 64 C10 several years ago to replace the warning light cluster. I used reproduction wiring harnesses from M&H. Everything worked great, although the used cluster showed it's age cosmetically.

Recently I bought another used gauge cluster, refurbished it cosmetically, and installed a tach with one of rideblue's custom brackets. Everything went fine, except on the test ride the temp gauge was non-functional. Everything else was perfect.

I pulled the cluster back out and replaced the faulty temp gauge with the known good one from the first cluster. Now I have a weird electrical problem and I simply cannot figure it out. There are two plugs on the gauge harness. If I plug only the smaller of the two plugs into the main harness, the engine will crank over and run, although the gauges do not work. When I plug in the second one, it shorts something, and the starter won't even click or turn over when I turn the key.

I took pictures of the old cluster and harnesses before disassembly, and I'm sure I installed the second temp gauge with terminals and wiring correctly. I simply cannot figure this out. Any opinions or advice are welcome. Thanks.

[PGSigns]

Pull it back out and take a good look. You can use the wiring diagram to verify the colors. When you have it out pull the temp gauge out and make sure you got the insulator pads in it and if they are in it they did not crack when you put it together. That will give you the short you have now.
Jimmy

[MikeN]

Thanks man, I'll try that!

[MikeN]

PG you were exactly right. I unplugged the single connector to the temp gauge, plugged up everything else, and the truck starts up and runs fine. All gauges work except the temp gauge, so I guess I left out an insulator? I know there is a rubber gasket on my he back of the gauge that goes under the screws and pins for the electrical connectors. Is there supposed to be a gasket or insulator between the gauge and the carrier it sits in!?

Your advice really saved a ton of aggravation. Much appreciated.

[Port&PolishMan]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Pull it back out and take a good look. You can use the wiring diagram to verify the colors. When you have it out pull the temp gauge out and make sure you got the insulator pads in it and if they are in it they did not crack when you put it together. That will give you the short you have now.
Jimmy

Wow - I wonder If that's what Going on with My Truck - Just this Morning
Cranked Up Fine backed out Drive - Shut Off - like a Plug was Pulled .

I tried to By _pass - everything - Starter , Push Button Start ,
By-Passed Ignition Switch - Hmmm - so I tried to Jump Past
the Solenoid - even - Thou - it never Clicked or gave any warnings ..

Nothing it's just like the Starter is Dead .. ?_?

[PGSigns]

There is an insulator on both sides. It is not rubber, it more like hard cardboard. The on on the outside has little cut outs in it to align the connectors. Port and polish you may want to start a new thread. I would say your battery is the first place to look.
Jimmy

[MikeN]

Thanks again sir.