Gauges: temp gauge question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jocko** · 01-06-2014, 09:57 PM

I have an aftermarket temp gauge installed below the dash - a PO's answer to a defective in-dash factory gauge... Anyhoo - I've got a factory one that I'll install, but am curious if anyone might know if aftermarket senders are "universal." I don't actually know if the PO also changed over to the aftermarket mfgr's sender when the gauge was added or if he retained the original, or what was actually wrong with the original combo. While I'm sure a factory gauge "might" work with an aftermarket sender (i.e. a sender for an aftermarket, non-OEM gauge), I have no way of knowing if it's actually accurate. I have no problem swapping over the sender too, but just wondering if it is really necessary. I still have to dig into this a bit, and will just change the sender if there's any question, but just curious. Thanks!

airdale94 · 01-07-2014, 02:07 AM

Pretty sure an aftermarket sender won't work. I would try an OE replacement sender.

chevy88 · 01-07-2014, 02:39 AM

Also when you order oe temp sender make sure you ask for the one for gauges or they could just give you one for idiot light. LMC truck shows you the different senders that were available. They are cheap, around $8 each.

**jocko** · 01-07-2014, 08:24 PM

thanks airdale, I'm not gonna experiment then, will just buy a new sender to be safe, especially since they are cheap.

thanks chevy88 - excellent reminder to get the "gauges" sender - much appreciated.

Lattimer · 01-07-2014, 08:51 PM

Also keep in mind that the replacement senders are not necessarily calibrated to work right with our gauges. I had to add a resistor to get my gauge to read in the middle when the truck was at operating temp. Otherwise it was nearly pegged all the time.

I also had to add an additional ground on the temp gauge to make it work. It doesn't seem to be grounded well enough with the rest of the gauge panel.

Lee H · 01-07-2014, 08:53 PM

Wells part number TU5 available at most DIY auto houses seems to work fine with my stock gage and after market Autogage gage's.

**jocko** · 01-07-2014, 10:27 PM

more great info, thanks lattimer and lee.

HSRACER · 01-08-2014, 08:17 AM

What size resister and is it in line or parallel? I have changed my sending unit twice. First sender was pegged out and the second runs right on the red of my stock gauge. The lazer temp gun shows everything to be at about an actual 180 degrees. I am just having trouble finding an accurate sender. Thanks for any help out there.

Lattimer · 01-08-2014, 09:27 AM

I put it inline with the wire from the sender. Check here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&postcount=21
and here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=516389

I believe I used a 5 ohm, but it may require trial and error.

01-06-2014, 09:57 PM	#1
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,958	Gauges: temp gauge question I have an aftermarket temp gauge installed below the dash - a PO's answer to a defective in-dash factory gauge... Anyhoo - I've got a factory one that I'll install, but am curious if anyone might know if aftermarket senders are "universal." I don't actually know if the PO also changed over to the aftermarket mfgr's sender when the gauge was added or if he retained the original, or what was actually wrong with the original combo. While I'm sure a factory gauge "might" work with an aftermarket sender (i.e. a sender for an aftermarket, non-OEM gauge), I have no way of knowing if it's actually accurate. I have no problem swapping over the sender too, but just wondering if it is really necessary. I still have to dig into this a bit, and will just change the sender if there's any question, but just curious. Thanks!

01-07-2014, 02:07 AM	#2
airdale94 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Topeka,KS Posts: 778	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question Pretty sure an aftermarket sender won't work. I would try an OE replacement sender. __________________ 68' C20. 283CI w/55CC 305HO heads, NP435 Close Ratio, Corp. 14 bolt FF 3.21, 75' front end swap (everything but the X-member).

01-07-2014, 02:39 AM	#3
chevy88 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern, Saskatchewan Posts: 640	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question Also when you order oe temp sender make sure you ask for the one for gauges or they could just give you one for idiot light. LMC truck shows you the different senders that were available. They are cheap, around $8 each. __________________ Kerry My build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3657823 1971 Chev SWB with 68 nose, 6.2 diesel th350, and 3.73 rear gears 1988 Chev Extendacab 2010 Honda VT1300CS Sabre 2005 Buick Rendezvous wife's ride

01-07-2014, 08:24 PM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,958	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question thanks airdale, I'm not gonna experiment then, will just buy a new sender to be safe, especially since they are cheap. thanks chevy88 - excellent reminder to get the "gauges" sender - much appreciated.

01-07-2014, 08:51 PM	#5
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question Also keep in mind that the replacement senders are not necessarily calibrated to work right with our gauges. I had to add a resistor to get my gauge to read in the middle when the truck was at operating temp. Otherwise it was nearly pegged all the time. I also had to add an additional ground on the temp gauge to make it work. It doesn't seem to be grounded well enough with the rest of the gauge panel. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

01-07-2014, 08:53 PM	#6
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,142	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question Wells part number TU5 available at most DIY auto houses seems to work fine with my stock gage and after market Autogage gage's. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

01-07-2014, 10:27 PM	#7
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,958	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question more great info, thanks lattimer and lee.

01-08-2014, 08:17 AM	#8
HSRACER Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Katy TX Posts: 1,268	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question What size resister and is it in line or parallel? I have changed my sending unit twice. First sender was pegged out and the second runs right on the red of my stock gauge. The lazer temp gun shows everything to be at about an actual 180 degrees. I am just having trouble finding an accurate sender. Thanks for any help out there. __________________ HSRACER Slammed 53 5 window Blown/Bagged 54 Pickup Patinaed 67 LS stepside Supercharged 67 Nova Bagged 69 Suburban Turbo'ed 5.3 LS

01-08-2014, 09:27 AM	#9
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Gauges: temp gauge question I put it inline with the wire from the sender. Check here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&postcount=21 and here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=516389 I believe I used a 5 ohm, but it may require trial and error. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881



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