1961 temp & fuel gauge problems

[MrPhelps1]

can anyone help us with diagnosing the temp and fuel gauges? I
already installed a new temp sender and redid the complete cooling system
and the car runs around 160-170 deg F which is perfect if not a little
cold.
What happens is the temp gauge on the dash climbs to 220 F within one (1)
minute after a cold start up and stays there with little fluctuation. Does anyone have the resistance values for the different temperatures so I can determine whether it is the gauge or a defective sending unit or do have any other information on checking the temp gauge? The fuel gauge I believe is
a heavy float on the sender since it never goes over 1/4 tank. If
possible
would you also have resistance values for full and empty reading.
Thank You

 

[Ken Anderson]

83 ohms @180 and your sender is 0-30. If you don't have a shop manual you're working in the dark.

 

[JohnZ]

Replacing the original temp sender virtually guarantees that your temp gauge will read 20-40 degrees high; the only replacement sender that's even close is the Wells TU-5 (AutoZone, $5.00). Have someone shoot the thermostat housing with an I.R. gun and compare it to your gauge reading so you know what it's really telling you.

If you can't find an original (not replacement) sending unit, you can insert resistance in the sender wire to the gauge so it reads the same as the actual temperature shown by an I.R. gun, but the gauge isn't linear to begin with, and added resistance will only make it accurate within a narrow range.

 

[MrPhelps1]

thanks, very, very informative

 

[Dinger09]

http://www.corvettespecialtiesofmd.com/faq/faq1.html

:cool

Good faq article about sending units. These guys specialize in gauge restorations and have a pretty solid reputation.

My 61 started the same type of behavior when I swapped out the sending unit for a new one. Have since replaced it with a NOS part from VetteGal.

 

[Ken Anderson]

Corvette Specialties of MD now stocks the correct sending unit for both temp and fuel. Both are new totally correct reproductions.

 

[MrPhelps1]

thanks guys.

 

[ptuner11]

i had the same problem with my temp gauge. after trying varying size resistors, 33 ohms worked right on.
corvette central now has a variable resistor unit just for dialing in the correct in line resistance for the temp gauge. I think it is $20.00. Use an IR gun like mentioned above and zero the gauge in at the high temp area. This is where you need to know the correct temp. good luck.