69Midd4Stang 10 Report post Posted June 5, 2014 Looking for feedback and thoughts on the temp gauge levels. Running a 390 with a 180 degree thermo in it. At idle the gauge sits at about the 3/4 level. When driving the gauge rides at 1/2. Wondering how others appear to be on their gauges as to see if I am running hot or not. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rsanter 152 Report post Posted June 5, 2014 Those original temp gauges are all relative at best. If you put 5 different factory gauges in your car you would get 5 different positions on the gauge Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
69Midd4Stang 10 Report post Posted June 5, 2014 I can certainly understand your comment on the gauges. I was hoping for a "feel" as to how other gauges were showing under similar conditions. Maybe another question - any thoughts on how best to review temp level of the engine to allow confirmation of the operation of the gauges. New sending unit was installed as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rsanter 152 Report post Posted June 5, 2014 Temporarily install a mechanical temp gauge and begin to get the feel for where the gauge is for normal tempature and for hot Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted June 6, 2014 Get an IR thermometer sensor (auto parts stores have them for $35-$75), and read the water temperature at the thermostat housing and compare to your gauge readings. You'll be able to get a real good idea of what the gauge is indicating. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted June 6, 2014 428 car with a 3 row re cored radiator, new 195 degree thermostat, new hoses and a new NAPA temp. sender. The gauge showed 3/4 plus. Got a real AUTOLITE, $35, temp sender. Now reads less than 1/2. Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j69302 11 Report post Posted June 6, 2014 where do you find autolite sending units these days? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
69Midd4Stang 10 Report post Posted June 6, 2014 Brian - It sounds like you and I are similar on the gauge other then I am running a 180 thermo? How do you feel your engine is at during the summer heat? I will look into see if I can locate a better quality sending unit. Thank you all for the feedback! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted June 6, 2014 It seems that back in the day FORD parts were a little more specific than today. One size or part did not fit all needs. This sender was for the 428 CJ and It is my belief that the RED insulator band on the top was color coded to the Red w/white wire harness on the CJ. The info on the box also meant something in my case the SW 552. My part information came from the guys at the CJ Registry. It was worth the time effort and expense to get a correct reading Dash temp. gauge. If you know the part you need they can be found. Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
