Temp guage help
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Freshman User
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Temp guage help
Temp gauge in my 79 f-350 400 (6.6L) 4x4 has never worked since i bought it, not sure what the problem is. the manual isn't clear on where the temp sender unit is located, says either on the block the cylinder head or the intake manifold, i don't even know what the thing looks like, any help on locating this would be great, thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Other side of the sunrise
Not sure where it is on your truck but a general description might help. Sending units usually are threaded plugs that screw into the intake manifold, thermostadt housing, head or block. There are wires that plug into spade connectors on that unit that run to the temp gauge. I would just look for a plug screwed into the engine somewhere with wires connected to it and determine if the location jives with the location in the manual.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: RI
When you find it, you can check if the sending unit is the problem by unplugging the wire from it and grounding it to the block. Turn the key and if the gauge goes all the way up, you know the s/unit is bad....
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Thanks for your help, it was right under the thermostat, guage is working now and says the engine is running hot needle hangs around the L in the word normal, does that sound a little to hot for the engine? i was thinking of replacing the thermostat but not sure..
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Originally Posted by olfordsnstone
Not sure where it is on your truck but a general description might help. Sending units usually are threaded plugs that screw into the intake manifold, thermostadt housing, head or block. There are wires that plug into spade connectors on that unit that run to the temp gauge. I would just look for a plug screwed into the engine somewhere with wires connected to it and determine if the location jives with the location in the manual.
Wonder if the manuals on CD ROM have this covered real good? Looking to fix mine also but need to get the cluster lights to work also.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Eastern Virginia
My temperature gauge likes to hang in the upper side of the Normal scale also. Usually it runs just above halfway. In hot weather when I shut it off after the engine is hot and restart it the guage goes up to the L in Normal and stays there no matter how long I drive it. It has done this every since I had the truck. Before the engine rebuild, sending unit, and new thermostat and after. A/C on or not. I am running a 195 degree thermostat. I think something in the guage is funky. Never goes out of the normal band, though.
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ive been wondering about this too. my 77 351m runs at half(i know that all the components in my cooling system are operational) but rises after hot shutoff but mine will eventually creep back down after consistent highway driving(fan moving faster?) i want the gauge to stay at half all the time. am i dreaming? are these temp gauges notorious for wild swings? i'm cornfused!
