302 v8 TEMPERATURE SENDER
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,014
Likes: 2,750
From: Virginia
I am warning you, do not pull your hair out over these factory gauges. They are not known for their accuracy. The next question you need to ask; What is the actual temperature of your engine? What thermostat do you have installed and is it working? What little chance the gauge has of giving you a reading, is dependent on what temp the engine is actually running at. How do you determine that? Go get a aftermarket gauge and install that since it has real numbers on it, or get one of those infarad guns and see what it tells you when the engine is warmed up and running.
The only thing I ask you not to do is spend a whole bunch of money and parts using the factory gauge as a troubleshooting tool. That happens all the time and a lot of money is wasted on what a factory gauge was telling someone.
The only thing I ask you not to do is spend a whole bunch of money and parts using the factory gauge as a troubleshooting tool. That happens all the time and a lot of money is wasted on what a factory gauge was telling someone.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Western NC
I need to get one of those infrared thermometers to see what her running temp is and see how much it varies.
I do have a soft spot for “stock”, I know there are better gauges and higher performance parts but I like seeing it functioning original and all. But that would require finding a sender that fits FORDS specs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 1,258
yes, 100% the one with the larger pin was not correct (possibly broken too). I got one that fits properly and it at least moves the gauge.
I need to get one of those infrared thermometers to see what her running temp is and see how much it varies.
I do have a soft spot for “stock”, I know there are better gauges and higher performance parts but I like seeing it functioning original and all. But that would require finding a sender that fits FORDS specs.
I need to get one of those infrared thermometers to see what her running temp is and see how much it varies.
I do have a soft spot for “stock”, I know there are better gauges and higher performance parts but I like seeing it functioning original and all. But that would require finding a sender that fits FORDS specs.
I was looking for senders on their site recently. You might find what you're looking for.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 1,258
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Western NC
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Western NC
Ok, last post before bed.
I want to get the stock gauge working in the dash but let’s say I wanted to install a second temp sensor and more presice gauge. Is there a good place on the 302 to install one?
I want to get the stock gauge working in the dash but let’s say I wanted to install a second temp sensor and more presice gauge. Is there a good place on the 302 to install one?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 1,258
rockauto has the original Motorcraft sender. I posted the link for you above. Good luck
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Lead Driver
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Next step is to beg, borrow, or steal an infrared thermometer. Determine the actual coolant temperature at the thermostat housing. Could be the thermostat is stuck open and your engine is running cooler than you think.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,960
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From: Angier, NC
I dont know if the 302 has something like it or not?
Dave ----
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,014
Likes: 2,750
From: Virginia
If some of your emissions has been stripped, then there will be sensors in the water jacket that you will not be using and can be used for another temp sensor. But you said you are a stickler for being original, so I am assuming the underhood is all original also.
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