Temp gauge

[LanceB]

My 81 temp gauge is always the same, cold or hot weather, even when I just start it. I had a new radiator put in last year and all new hoses. How can I be sure this is reading accurate (or working at all)? I have an oil temp gauge also, and this definitely works.

 

[81 Corvette]

get a thermoter and put it on the radiator to get a more accrurate reading to compare agaist.

 

[socor7]

take the wire off the sending unit and ground it. If your temp gauge peggs out then your gauge is working, it is probably the sending unit.

 

[JohnZ]

With the key on, the gauge should peg full cold with the wire disconnected at the sender, and should peg full hot with the sender wire grounded to the engine. If that's the result, the gauge and wiring is OK, and the sender is bad. If your result is different, more diagnostics are required; let us know.