Temperature Gauge reads low

[Yarls24]

Hi everyone, I have a question maybe someone can answer. My buddy has a 1987 Corvette, he recently changed the 195 degree thermostat. He says the temperature gauge always reads low, and the operating temp. never comes up. It was working fine before he changed the thermostat. He did replace the old thermostat with a GM 195 degree.

 

[rrubel]

Dumb thought, but did he put the thermostat in upside-down?

Of course, it's always possible he got a bad new stat as well...

[RICHR]

 

[Yarls24]

I thought about that too. I would hope he had enough common sense not to do that. You are the second person to suggest that. I will pass it on to him. You never know. Thanks for the advice.

 

[vettn94]

Dumb thought, but did he put the thermostat in upside-down?
[RICHR]

That is what I was thinking also.
Pull the tsat and make sure it's not in upside down.
Where are you located in IL?

 

[Top]

Explain 'reads low'.

Do you mean the gauge never reads above 'LO'??

If yes then disconnect the coolant temp sensor between the number 6 and 8 spark plug and use a jumper wire to ground it to a ground. Turn the ignition on but do not start the car. Check your reading now. If it reads 330F the coolant temp sensor is bad. If it still reading 'LO' check the circuit. I'm betting sensor.

Happy Holidays

 

[88canadianvette]

Top is right. i knocked my sensor wire from the sending unit loose after doing my plugs. all i ever got was a "low" reading so i checked the connection, cleaned it then plugged it in nice and tight. works fine now.

 

[Yarls24]

I live over in Heyworth,IL. Small town south of Bloomington,IL about 10 miles away. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Yarls24]

You heard it right, he says the gauge just stays at "Lo" the entire time he drives it. I will tell him about your theory. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Top]

It ain't a theory......

 

[Yarls24]

Thankyou once again.