wandering temperature guage needle
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wandering temperature guage needle
I have an interesting situation, that seems harmless, but is irritating.
When I start my bronco (92 full size, 351W) it runs fine. As it comes to poperating temperature, the temperature guage needle rises across the guage facing nearly to the "t" in the word "temperataure", then slowly sweeps back and lies at its normal position on the "m". It drives me nuts! I've replaced the thermostat, temperature sensor unit, and water coolant sensors once.
Other than the above, it runs like a swiss watch.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Cary
When I start my bronco (92 full size, 351W) it runs fine. As it comes to poperating temperature, the temperature guage needle rises across the guage facing nearly to the "t" in the word "temperataure", then slowly sweeps back and lies at its normal position on the "m". It drives me nuts! I've replaced the thermostat, temperature sensor unit, and water coolant sensors once.
Other than the above, it runs like a swiss watch.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Cary
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
wandering temperature guage needle
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-14-03 AT 10:32 PM (EST)]Cek is right. The Ford gauge is nothing more than a temperature sensisitve resistor. And any electrical component exposed to extreme temperature swings will change its resistance value over time. Heck the same thing happens even if they aren't exposed to extreme temp changes. If you want an accurate temperature reading, buy an aftermarket gauge with a capilarity wire. This will be the most accurate type of gauge I can think of. These gauges will have a long copper wire wrapped in what looks like a spring and have a large brass or copper bulb at the end. The gauge actually moves based on the temprature of the wire changing. Most of these will mount in the original sensor location. When mouning the new sensor make certain that you use the location for the gauge sensor not the temp sensor for the computer. That one has to stay there and is in no way connected with the one for the gauge.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
wandering temperature guage needle
Mine does the same thing. It goes back and forth slowly, all day long. It does not worry me any longer. It has done this with a new t-stat and sending unit. As long as it stays in the area where it normally is, I know the truck is running fine, and I don't worry about it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
wandering temperature guage needle
cchev,
I am not aware of one that will mount in place of the stock gauge. Most of the aftermarket gauges will be at least 2" round gauges. I have a set of three mechanical gauges mounted in that little shelf just to the lower right of the steering column. A temp., volt, and oil pressure. I had considered adapting the existing gauges but the project became a bit too complex for my tastes. I did take the lamps from the new gauges and color them so that the gauges come up the same green as the rest of the dash lights.
I am not aware of one that will mount in place of the stock gauge. Most of the aftermarket gauges will be at least 2" round gauges. I have a set of three mechanical gauges mounted in that little shelf just to the lower right of the steering column. A temp., volt, and oil pressure. I had considered adapting the existing gauges but the project became a bit too complex for my tastes. I did take the lamps from the new gauges and color them so that the gauges come up the same green as the rest of the dash lights.
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