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06-21-2020, 04:57 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 2,249
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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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1951 Chevy Panel Truck |
06-22-2020, 03:34 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,641
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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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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
06-22-2020, 09:16 AM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 215
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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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current ride 1951 AD Chevy 5 window 2004 LS Gen 3 [/B] 1965 fleetside Sold |
06-25-2020, 02:45 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 323
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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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Project "Eagle Spirit" 52 Chevy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=763085 Project "LS Scout" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=844133 |
06-27-2020, 12:36 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: albuquerque New Mexico
Posts: 522
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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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