How do I disconnect the temp gauge cable?

[Highsider]

My temp gauge was "mounted" to the steering column by wrapping black electrical tape around it. I bought a single gauge mount from Speedway and it looks like I need to unplug the sensor-to-gauge cable.


I did unscrew the 9/16" nut and gently tugged at the cable, but it didn't budge.
Does it unplug? Or should Ijust get rougher with it?

[Nordic]

It is one piece unit. You have to take the sensor out of the engine.It stays connect to the gauge.

[Highsider]

Originally Posted by Nordic

It is one piece unit. You have to take the sensor out of the engine.It stays connect to the gauge.

That is what I was afraid of. Glad I didn't get the pliers out!
Thanks.

[mr48chev]

Yep, that's a tube and not a cable. break it and you have a gauge to throw in the trash.

[Highsider]

The other end at the block looks too crusty to touch.
It looks like it could crumble when I put a wrench on it.
Back to the black tape mounting system for the gauge.

[_Ogre]

no guts no glory
cut the tube and pull it out, looks like a $10 no name gauge anyway
you do realize that there is a temp gauge in the instr cluster?
fix it and get rid of all the cheesy add ons

[Divine 59]

Like _Ogre, I prefer to use the factory temp gauge in the cluster. OK maybe there are no degree markings, but the driver still knows if the engine temp is "OK". Stock is "cool" in my opinion.

[OrrieG]

Engine end should be a pretty robust brass fitting, if PO munged it up you might need vise grips to get it off, but brass to iron does not rust up.

[Highsider]

Thanks guys!
I can't recall what the previous owner said as to why the dash gauge isn't hooked up.
I ain't skeered! :-)
I'll mess around with it. and keep you'all posted.

[68panelman]

Get yourself a cap plug before you disconnect it from the motor, or the antifreeze will be flowin!!!

[Highsider]

And I just put in all new a/f.

[62lwbc10]

I have a 55 cluster for my 58 and it has the mechanical (not electrical) temp gauge. I do have the brass fitting at the end of the copper wire. See pic. The brass fitting looks small. Where exactly on the motor does the sensor get screwed into? Is it on the intake? or the head? I dont have the original motor, its a later 350 chevy in the truck so Im not sure where to screw the sensor in. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Highsider]

I have an '80s 350 and it is at the front of the intake.
Of course it right under my driver's side a/c compressor.

[62lwbc10]

Very nice highsider thanks. I guess all I need is a brass reducer to screw into the intake and then put the temp probe in it.

[Highsider]

Somebody needs to clean my engine.

[_Ogre]

forgot that, the 55s had a mechanical gauge with the bourbon tube
your tube is probably broken (similar to the gauge you have taped on)
get a junk yard electric gauge and sender from a newer truck and install it

if your brave...
look at my build thread where i modified my cluster and do a new style conversion into your old cluster

[OrrieG]

Does the 58-59 electric guage fit the 55-57 gauge plate? I used my 235 sensor on the 283 and am using it on the 350. All you really need to know is the normal range and the 'time to pull over and cool down" setting. I always thought my modern cars had really good stable cooling systems until I found out that the gauge was really a mechanical trouble light with two settings, middle and pegged to the right.

[62lwbc10]

The 55 cluster I have is in excellent shape and I actually prefer the mechanical sensor to the electric one. I tested it using boiling water and it reads just fine. just need to get the brass reducer so i can use it on my manifold

[_Ogre]

i thought we were fixing highsider's gauge
the brass reducer can be bought at home depot
a 1/2x3/4'' npt bushing

@orrieg:
correct me if i'm wrong, i thought only 55 had the mechanical gauge and 56 up went with electric
i've only owned four 58-59 chevys and one 57 gmc truck
i believe the factory assembly manual is based on the 55 only, it only shows 55 body trim and a mechanical gauge
but knowing gm they made the electric to fit in the mechanical spot

[62lwbc10]

Ogre sorry I didnt mean to hijack the thread but its been very helpful, especially your home depot tip. I would never have thought that! Do you use anything on the threads at all when installing on the intake manifold or just screw it in?

And yes, I believe 55 had mechanical temp senders, 56-59 have electric.

Mark

[Highsider]

I am sure Ogre was being funny... at least I thought it was funny! :-)
I always use a dab of teflon tape in these situations.
I haven't had time to mess with mine yet. I have mushy brakes I need to attend to, but getting underneath is a booger! Dang lowered front.
Report back.

[OrrieG]

I do not use anything on sensors, I have always thought the sensor needed to ground to the manifold, head, etc. and the tape or goop would prevent that. You can get "sensor" approved RTV which I assume has some type of conductive additive.

[Highsider]

Good point.
I'd guess the brass is soft enough to allow a seal?

[_Ogre]

teflon tape can insulate the electrical ''flow''
i've always used pipe dope without an issue
new car sensors come pre-doped so no one will be tempted to use tape