Where is stock needle at normal temp? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

grebus1 · 04-04-2003, 10:51 PM

I know this has been discussed before, but no one seems to have the definitive answer. Where is the stock temp gauge needle supposed to be when the engine is at normal temp? At the first mark or in the middle? Is there any literature (owner's manual, shop manual) that documents this? Mine used to read at the first mark but I had to replace the sender and now it reads half way. The sender came from LectricLimited and is supposed to be properly calibrated.

BTW, the gauge on my '99 Cadillac reads dead in the middle at normal temp.

**breeh** · 04-04-2003, 11:08 PM

Unfortunately, I don't think that there is a definitive answer. There is a lot of variability from vehicle to vehicle.

mikep · 04-04-2003, 11:10 PM

What is the temp of your thermostat? The factory thermostat was rated at 195 degrees. If you are running a 180 degree thermostat the coolant temp will be lower so you'll have the needle on the lower end of the scale. I run a early 70's volvo temp sender which put the needle right in the middle at 180 degrees. Late 60's chevrolet trucks used an oddball Ohm value temp sender and its difficult to find one of the right value when using a 180 degree thermostat. All the factory replacement senders are calibrated for a coolant temp of 195.

nroden · 04-04-2003, 11:30 PM

On mine the first mark is where it is at until it warms up enough to switch to the slow idle... happens almost instantly. At this point is when I start driving it since its warmed up. Then the 2nd mark is where it stays right at after about 5 minutes of driving.

nroden · 04-04-2003, 11:30 PM

On mine the first mark is where it is at until it warms up enough to switch to the slow idle... happens almost instantly. At this point is when I start driving it since its warmed up. Then the 2nd mark is where it stays right at after about 5 minutes of driving.

nroden · 04-04-2003, 11:30 PM

On mine the first mark is where it is at until it warms up enough to switch to the slow idle... happens almost instantly. At this point is when I start driving it since its warmed up. Then the 2nd mark is where it stays right at after about 5 minutes of driving.

04-04-2003, 10:51 PM	#1
grebus1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 322	Where is stock needle at normal temp? I know this has been discussed before, but no one seems to have the definitive answer. Where is the stock temp gauge needle supposed to be when the engine is at normal temp? At the first mark or in the middle? Is there any literature (owner's manual, shop manual) that documents this? Mine used to read at the first mark but I had to replace the sender and now it reads half way. The sender came from LectricLimited and is supposed to be properly calibrated. BTW, the gauge on my '99 Cadillac reads dead in the middle at normal temp. __________________ '72 Chevy Suburban Custom Deluxe 10, 402/TH400

04-04-2003, 11:08 PM	#2
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Unfortunately, I don't think that there is a definitive answer. There is a lot of variability from vehicle to vehicle. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

04-04-2003, 11:10 PM	#3
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	What is the temp of your thermostat? The factory thermostat was rated at 195 degrees. If you are running a 180 degree thermostat the coolant temp will be lower so you'll have the needle on the lower end of the scale. I run a early 70's volvo temp sender which put the needle right in the middle at 180 degrees. Late 60's chevrolet trucks used an oddball Ohm value temp sender and its difficult to find one of the right value when using a 180 degree thermostat. All the factory replacement senders are calibrated for a coolant temp of 195. __________________ No truck :-(

04-04-2003, 11:30 PM	#4
nroden Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 1,098	On mine the first mark is where it is at until it warms up enough to switch to the slow idle... happens almost instantly. At this point is when I start driving it since its warmed up. Then the 2nd mark is where it stays right at after about 5 minutes of driving. __________________ Nick Rodenberg 72 Cheyenne 10 V8 350/TH350 white/ochre/white/ochre, ochre/saddle interior Retired and in the dry... still runs. I now drive Red '01 Ford Focus... better MPG!!!

04-04-2003, 11:30 PM	#5
nroden Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 1,098	On mine the first mark is where it is at until it warms up enough to switch to the slow idle... happens almost instantly. At this point is when I start driving it since its warmed up. Then the 2nd mark is where it stays right at after about 5 minutes of driving. __________________ Nick Rodenberg 72 Cheyenne 10 V8 350/TH350 white/ochre/white/ochre, ochre/saddle interior Retired and in the dry... still runs. I now drive Red '01 Ford Focus... better MPG!!!



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