Im working on a 86 f250 with a 351 w. Every thing works but the water temp gauge> anybody got any clues on what could be wrong? I tried some used sensors but cant get any reading> does the sender have to be in the intake to test? Or can i ground it to something to test it thanks

 

Turn the key to run with the engine off. Take the sending wire off the sending unit and ground it to the engine block. The gauge should swing full scale in one direction. Then take the wire off ground and let it hang in the air. The guage should swing full scale the opposite direction. If it passes this test, then the guage and the wiring are good, and the sending unit is bad. Make sure you do not use any teflon tape on the threads, and if you need to use sealer on the threads, use very little. It needs a good ground through the threads to work.

 

that would explain why my temp gauge didn't move much i used the tape on the threads!!! Dang!!

 

I read another thread about this issue> the needle swept over like discribed<so i installed a new sending unit> now the gauge reads about on the normal lettering> seems to be on the high side of hot to me. Most of my fords always ran on the other side of the scale. I did use ssome thread coumpound however. Could this be giving me a false reading? Please help

 

temp gauges in our trucks are known for reading incorrect, an aftermarket gauge is the way to go

 

ARE you suggesting,like an auto meter or sun pro, something like that? If IM using a 195 thermostat, how many degreesis a normal temp and at what temperature is too hot. Thanks for the input everyone