Temperature Gauge

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by IlliniGSX, Aug 27, 2019.

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  1. IlliniGSX

    IlliniGSX GSX #401

    Can the temperature gauge in a 1970 GS be calibrated to reflect an actual temperature? My gauge shows my car runs 2 marks above the center of the gauge. I put on a new sending unit and it still reads the same. An IR gun and thermometer both show the engine is not hot. It shows in the 180 to 190 degree range. I am running an aluminum radiator and a FlowKooler water pump with an antifreeze water mix.
    Thanks Jim
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The center line should be about 210*, so if you are 2 lines above that, that's pretty hot. At 180*, it should be 2 marks above the low side. I would try a different sender first. If that doesn't correct the reading, it has to be the gauge itself.
     
    john.schaefer77 likes this.
  3. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Jim,

    This was mine on one of the hottest days of the year a couple Monday's ago, after about 15 minutes of cruising.

    50 year old (tested and flushed) Harrison radiator
    Factory 7 blade fan with clutch
    Factory shroud
    180° thermostat
    RC 29 radiator cap.
    Lectric Limited sending unit

    20190819_160656.jpg Screenshot_20190828-125158_Chrome.jpg
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I have a mechanical Autometer Temperature gauge in addition to the stock gauges. When my Autometer gauge reads 180, my stock gauge is on the 2nd line above the "L". Next time I drive the car, I will take a picture. There may be some variations in sending units.
     
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  5. mrolds69

    mrolds69 "The Cure"

    I agree with what Larry + Brett are saying. Definitely should be below the half mark. Brett's is lower than my GS or 442 run. There are resistors on the back of the pod. You can also add a resistor in series to get it where you want. The lectric limited sender is supposed to be ok. My 442, like 20 years ago the needle just fell off one day! So, 2 issues...sender or gauge, but probably the sender. Trying a new sender is the easiest way to double check. Here's more info just for fun...
    https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/electrical-5/temperature-oil-gauge-profiling-rally-pac-5680/
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Took some pictures last night as I was nearing home from a cruise night. I took a picture of my Autometer mechanical gauge and the stock gauges. My sending unit is the one with the button not the blade. This is how the readings correlate though.

    stockgauges.jpg

    AutometerTempGauge2.jpg
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  7. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Basically the same as mine.

    Good to know.
     
  8. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    About the same here also
     

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