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Old 06-21-2020, 04:57 PM   #1
MiraclePieCo
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Anyone else's Dolphin gauges read low?

I have a set of Dolphin quad gauges that so are so common in these trucks, but the temp and oil pressure gauges read low. I know they're low because I've verified the readings with mechanical gauges. My temp gauge reads 140 degrees (with a 180 thermostat) and my oil pressure reads under 20 lbs (50 on a mechanical gauge). Dolphin tech suggested removing the thread sealant from the senders to improve the ground, but that didn't help. I know Dolphins are an economy gauge and I've read many snarky comments about their quality, but LOTS of guys are running them - anyone else have this issue?
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Old 06-22-2020, 03:34 AM   #2
mr48chev
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Re: Anyone else's Dolphin gauges read low?

Over the years I have seen aftermarket electric gauges that use sending units (oil pressure/temp) read all over the place.

My best friend though his Model A roadster with a 350 and Walker radiator was running hot (showed 265 degrees) but he stood in front of it with no shirt on and removed the radiator cap and it didn't even blow a puff of steam and the coolant was happily flowing though the radiator. A Walker rep happened to be at the show and my Snap-On dealer happened to walk by our cars and just happened to have a thermometer in his tool truck that the rep bought and tested Ron's radiator . 3 degrees above the rating of the thermostat at an idle in 95 degree August 1 weather.

My 77 Dualie with 454 wasn't reading right and I ordered the correct Delco sending unit for the application and it now reads spot on according to my infrared thermometer.
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Old 06-22-2020, 09:16 AM   #3
65blackfleetside
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Re: Anyone else's Dolphin gauges read low?

I installed a set of dolphins on my '65 build. 5/5 were off. I learned after this you get what you pay for. I spent a few hundred more on my 51' build and bought a different brand from speedway. They seem to work well but the scale is more for a 350 not an LS. An LS norm op temp is 210 which is what it shows but it looks like its running hot on a gauge that shows 210 at the 3/4 mark.

It sucks when you spend a few hundred $$ bucks for something and it does not work correctly. Then you end up buying it 2x's . I have done this several times over the years.
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Old 06-25-2020, 02:45 PM   #4
28TudorAZ
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Re: Anyone else's Dolphin gauges read low?

Mine work great. I would try replacing the sending units. I can say on other projects these were the culprits.
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Old 06-27-2020, 12:36 PM   #5
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Re: Anyone else's Dolphin gauges read low?

ive had a set of dolphins on my truck for close to 20 years now and I don't think they have ever read right.
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