Engine Temperature Gauge

[cgster]

My temperature gauge isn't working, not sure if its the wiring or the gauge itself. Anyway, instead of replacing my current gauge, is there a cheap under dash temperature gauge I can buy to test out if the gauge is the issue before I pull my dash bezel off and replace that temp gauge?

[briank]

I just went through this...what year truck, engine size and year of engine? From what Ive read , they say its rarw for the dash gauge to go bad. Check your sending wire 1st

[cgster]

Originally Posted by briank

I just went through this...what year truck, engine size and year of engine? From what Ive read , they say its rarw for the dash gauge to go bad. Check your sending wire 1st

It's a 68 C10 truck, 383 stroker engine. Not sure of year on engine.

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by cgster

My temperature gauge isn't working, not sure if its the wiring or the gauge itself. Anyway, instead of replacing my current gauge, is there a cheap under dash temperature gauge I can buy to test out if the gauge is the issue before I pull my dash bezel off and replace that temp gauge?

There is an easy test to check the gauge.
Take the sending unit wire off and ground it against the block and the gauge should go full hot with the key on. If it doesn't move then the gauge isn't getting a ground from the wire or it isn't getting voltage from the gauge cluster.
It could also be a bad gauge.

[briank]

Reason I ask about year of engine is because newer sbc use a 3/8" temp send unit...older uses 1/2". The 3/8 wont read right with factory gauge, but usually read hot. Yours does not work at all so Id check your wire then go from there. Others should chime in.

[cgster]

Originally Posted by VetteVet

There is an easy test to check the gauge.
Take the sending unit wire off and ground it against the block and the gauge should go full hot with the key on. If it doesn't move then the gauge isn't getting a ground from the wire or it isn't getting voltage from the gauge cluster.
It could also be a bad gauge.

VetteVet, When you say "ground it", do you mean just disconnect sending wire and touch to the block? Sorry if thats a stupid question but I dont know jack about electrical issues.

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by cgster

VetteVet, When you say "ground it", do you mean just disconnect sending wire and touch to the block? Sorry if thats a stupid question but I dont know jack about electrical issues.

Yes, you can just touch it to a bare spot on the block or run a jumper to the negative battery terminal. It should react immediately.