Original temp guage on a sbc??

[Dodger]

Hey all,

Got the fuel guage working right but I'm not sure on the temp guage, oil pressure and amps.

I"d like to have it all working but can't do without fuel and temp.

I have the original 1950 guage cluster but a later model 307 motor, 12v setup.

Am I able to make the original temp guage work with this setup and if so what do I need and how does it go together?

Is it a simple case of installing a sensor and wiring to the guage or was the original setup more "mechanical" than electric?

There appears to be a rod running from the back of the guage and out through the firewall rather than wiring.
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[mechanixman]

The rod is actually a copper pipe that runs to the engine block. your temp gauge is basically a thermometer. If you want to see yours work, pull the sensor out of the block, and heat it up. Either lightly use a blowtorch or drop it in some boiling water. you should see the temp gauge move quickly.
So as long as if fits in the 307, everything should work fine.


You mentioned that your're fuel gauge doesn't work either.
Are you using the stock tank/sending unit?
If you're using the stock gauges and sending unit, the 12 volts will show your tank is full all the time. You'll need a voltage regulator or a stepdown unit.

[Dodger]

Thanks mechanix,

The fuel gauge is working it would seem. Original sender and gauge and its reading just under 1/4 tank which shouldn't be too far off. I think it's had the 12 volt set up for a long time so I assume the PO installed a regulator.

The temp gauge might be OK as well, need to have a good look but from what your saying, you think the copper pipe set up can work on the 307? As in it doesn't require a wiring set up?
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[Katrina/10]

I was able to use the original style temp gauge on my 51 with a V8 engine by drilling a hole and pipe tapping into the water jacket through the intake by the distributor. Works fine.

[62lwbc10]

No wiring needed for your temp sender, its essentially a mechanical unit, there is no electricity involved. like the previous poster said, its a thermometer. Im 56 they changed over to electrical sending units. I have a 55 cluster in my truck and I tested the unit by sticking the probe in boiling water. Works like a charm. I have my probe installed in teh drivers side head water jacket, rather than the intake manifold to get a truer temp reading.

[sweet70beast]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

You mentioned that your're fuel gauge doesn't work either.
Are you using the stock tank/sending unit?
If you're using the stock gauges and sending unit, the 12 volts will show your tank is full all the time. You'll need a voltage regulator or a stepdown unit.

I converted my 50 over to 12 v 13 years ago and didn't put any voltage reducers on anything except the radio and have never had a problem with any thing not working. My gas gauge works great. I converted mine before I found out that I "needed" to use a reducer but I haven't had a problem yet.

[mechanixman]

Really? huh.
I hooked my 6 volt system to a 12 volt battery, and it shot straight to full

[sweet70beast]

I read that we needed these for years but I couldn't remember putting one on my truck since I did it so long ago. So I crawled all over my truck and haven't found one anywhere.