The temp gauge is not working on my 1981 Ford Motor home. This unit has a Ford 460 CID engine. The sensor is located near the distributor.
My question is how can I test this sensor? And can I test the wiring back to the gauge by using a Ohm meter with the ignition turned on?

Thanks in advance....

 

You test the gauge and wire by grounding the sensor wire. Gauge read maximum. If it does the sensor is bad.

 

I just tried that. I got no response from the guage at all. I tried both with it running and not, with ignition on!!

What did I prove?

 

You proved that the problem is not the sender. Either the wire is broken, the gauge is bad or the power supply in the instrument cluster is bad. FYI the Power Supply is known for puking. Check to see if there is power at the sender on the wire.

 

would it be easier to install a after market gauge?

 

Depends on how big a pain your instrument cluster is to remove. In my 1984 F250 it is easy but my 1999 Ranger is a pain in the azz.

 

It seems the better way to go. This motorhome is on a 1981 E350 frame. 29years and counting. I'm thinking I should replace the sensor too. Can you recommend a sensor or they "all the same"? Plus you might as well recommend a gauge if you feel like it.

Thanx!!!!

 

All the aftermarket gauge kits I have seen come with a sender and no they are not all the same.

 

okay, whats a good brand name then? Hopefully I can find it in Canada.

Appreciate your help.....

 

VDO, Stewart Warner, but most any will work and be close enough.

Hell, even harbor Freight has some that will work.