test temperature sensor?
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test temperature sensor?
I have an 84 F150 with a 351W. When I start it up, the temperature gauge always goes up to the high end of the normal range (but not past it) within a couple of minutes, even when it's pretty cold outside. I don't think the engine is really that hot because the heater doesn't start blowing hot for a few minutes after that. I have never seen it go past the high end of the normal range and the engine has never given any indication of overheating.
Is there anyway to test the temperature sender to see if it's fried, maybe check its resistance or something? Or maybe it just needs to be adjusted? Where would you measure the engine temperature with a meat thermometer to see how hot it really is?
Is there anyway to test the temperature sender to see if it's fried, maybe check its resistance or something? Or maybe it just needs to be adjusted? Where would you measure the engine temperature with a meat thermometer to see how hot it really is?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yep.. Ford Fuel Injection has some info on testing sensors. You could have air in the motor as well, when was the coolant level last checked?
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Yep.. Ford Fuel Injection has some info on testing sensors. You could have air in the motor as well, when was the coolant level last checked?
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The radiator was a bit low. I added about a quart to it this morning. I don't see any cold fill line on the overflow bottle, so I put about 2 inches of antifreeze in the bottom of it.
Once the engine heats up, the temp gage is still reading pretty high. Not pegged, but just to the right of the "L" in NORMAL. You mentioned the possibility of air in the engine before. How would I check for that and correct it?
Once the engine heats up, the temp gage is still reading pretty high. Not pegged, but just to the right of the "L" in NORMAL. You mentioned the possibility of air in the engine before. How would I check for that and correct it?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: NE Texas
Here's a quick way to get an idea if the problem is gauge and associated circuitry or sensor. Disconnect the wire from the sensor and ground it. This should cause full deflection on the gauge. Then leave the wire disconnected from the sensor and with it disconnected and the key on, you should get zero deflection from the gauge.
If the gauge acts properly under those conditions, replace the sensor. If there is something wrong with the gauge and circuit, in your case, then you will have gauge deflection with key on and sensor wire disconnected.
If the gauge acts properly under those conditions, replace the sensor. If there is something wrong with the gauge and circuit, in your case, then you will have gauge deflection with key on and sensor wire disconnected.
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