Temp gauge reading?

[garyd1961]

Where does your factory temp gauge read at with a 180 degree thermostat? Most all I remember seeing ran about the first mark(1/4) on the gauge. I just saw in another thread where the hand was running half the gauge but I don't remember ever seeing this back in the day.
I just put a new 180 degree thermostat in mine and it runs on the first mark.

[rockyrivermark]

Get a $15 iR gun from Amazon. Great tool to have around with many uses.

[garyd1961]

I have an IR gun, it cost a lot more than $15 though. I don't have a problem with the running temp of my motor. This thread was started basically for those who think their gauge is supposed to run straight up the middle like most cars. I don't remember ever seeing a factory gauge run mid way. All I remember seeing were running on the 1/4 mark.

[matt.quest21]

Mine reads at the first tick mark at about 170 +/- 5 degrees. I borrowed an IR Temp gun from work and verified this a few weeks ago.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by matt.quest21

Mine reads at the first tick mark at about 170 +/- 5 degrees. I borrowed an IR Temp gun from work and verified this a few weeks ago.

This is what I always remember them running at. I saw in another thread discussing cutting down sending units to fit vortec heads that someone posted a picture with the hand running straight up the middle of the gauge. I didn't want to dirty up his thread so I started this one.
I suspect people not familiar with these old trucks think they should run midway the gauge.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by garyd1961

I have an IR gun, it cost a lot more than $15 though. I don't have a problem with the running temp of my motor. This thread was started basically for those who think their gauge is supposed to run straight up the middle like most cars. I don't remember ever seeing a factory gauge run mid way. All I remember seeing were running on the 1/4 mark.

These trucks generally run about the 1/4 mark at normal operating temp. Just the way they are. Not like newer vehicles that run in middle of gauge.
Yes I bought a cheap IR gun but reads accurately so works for me.

[clay68c10]

In my experience big blocks will run hotter than the 1/4 mark. But all the small blocks and sixes I’ve dealt with stay around 1/4.

[demian5]

So full hot is like 600 degrees!?

[davepl]

Not sure how helpful this is, but I made it and I'm proud of it so I'll post it anyway!

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

These trucks generally run about the 1/4 mark at normal operating temp. Just the way they are. Not like newer vehicles that run in middle of gauge.
Yes I bought a cheap IR gun but reads accurately so works for me.

I really just wanted to point this out so anyone new to these trucks wouldn't try to fix a non-problem. It's sorta like the doors wont lock without the key. I'll bet people have spent days trying to figure that out.
Didn't mean to sound like I was criticizing you about the IR gun. I work at a dealership and bought mine off the tool truck, probably paid too much for it. I'm sure your gun works just as good.
BTW I retired my tools about a month ago because of a bad back. I still work but now I deliver parts and run customers home.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by demian5

So full hot is like 600 degrees!?

It doesn't work that way. Just a guess but by the time you get to the red you are probably running around 230. Never seen one boil over unless it was in the red.