Fellas I have all new gauges in my truck and none seem to work right. Yes prob a grnd prob. So i ran a ground strap from the block to frame and then battery neg to block then to frame...do I need more and where do i start to look at for giving my gauges a better ground.Thanks dj

 

Are these all new Ford gauges?? What year and model truck??
Might get more specific help at the appropriate year truck forum, instead of engine.

 

Also check the constant voltage regulator.

 

They are autometer gauges and all mechanical all brand new.. For my 72 ford 390. But yes it is in my 53 ford f-100. Painless wiring harnes and a 72 gm column. DJ

 

You say they are all mechanical, but you did not say what the gauges are or what problems you are having with each gauge. That would be a big help.

 

Mechanical gauges do not require a ground, only the tubing or sensor bulb to be in the proper hole on the engine. The ground is only for the light. More info, please!!

 

well i ran in the motor today and noticed that the water temp gauge wasnt bad due to a stuck thermostat and that is what gave the high reading.should this 390 be running around 210f cause thats where it stayed.volts was at 14 and oil pressure(high volume pump just installed) stayed at 100psi the whole time ???? Gas was fine. are these readings ok

 

OK dj, I'm gonna ask the simple questions:
Do you have a ground strap to the cab its-self?
Where do the gauges ground, through the harness or the chassis?

I'm not big on a lot of clutter, but grounding falls under "too much might be enough".

Mike

 

No I do not but I was told to. Just a regular strap from the bottom of the cab to the frame???

Not sure where the gauges ground. I believe thru the harness right...I did notice the lights on the gauges do not come on as well.

 

You still haven't told us whether these are MECHANICAL or ELECTRICAL gauges. Until you do, there is no easy way to tell you if they are working or not. Theres nothing wrong with your voltmeter or fuel gauge.

 

Are your water temp and oil pressure MECHANICAL (no ground needed for sensor, just for the light) or ELECTRICAL (solid ground required)? Obviously if the lights don't work you have a wiring problem but that may not address the gauges themselves.

 

Back to the instructions bud, you've come too far to let the smoke out now. You really need to pay attention to those connections. Factory ground runs from the block to the cab: high 'n dry, easy to clean.

I've never dealt with painless products. Is this pretty much same as stock (except for column)? Most Ford stuff grounds through the chassis, the radio is a good example. If the gauges ground through the case, it's a little more difficult to keep a reliable ground path.

 

they are all mechanical. Now I dont have any lights as in tail or head yet(I mean wired yet) and am wondering if the system is still open of sorts??

 

I'm sorry, but I have no clue what problem you are complaining about anymore.

 

I really didn't want to go there since I have not seen any wiring diagram. It just depends where the dash lights tie in. For the money that Painless Wiring charges you'd think they would be kind enough to provide a diagram; especially when integrating competing brands (GM column). Like I stated earlier, never dealt with them.

dj, if you have a diagram and access to a scanner send me an email. I'd be glad to follow-up...off the boards.