73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Instrumentation => Topic started by: MikecLA on October 15, 2020, 12:50:30 PM

Title: Yet another temp gauge question!
Post by: MikecLA on October 15, 2020, 12:50:30 PM
OK so Ive done it all right according to posts here etc.. What is normal operating range on this specific gauge? , 74-76? . Ive got a new gauge w resistor, proper new sending unit per forum and (Ive tried generic ac delco one.as well but it was lower reading) new 195 tstat., 4 core radiator and 307 engine.

 -its running warmed up temp is at 1st. 1/4 mark normal driving  , close to 1/2 when t stat opens at 195.

- im running a mechanical gauge as well to verify this.

-i assumed 1/2 would be 125 as hot is 250 but looking at next gen gauge 1/2 way is not that.

So i think for a factory gauge 1/4 mark is "normal". Gauges were never that accurate and any newer vehicle purposely gauges low as not to panic the consumer. Is that the case here you think? whats your truck run  for normal?  thanks!
Title: Re: Yet another temp gauge question!
Post by: bd on October 18, 2020, 02:34:35 PM
Correct.  The temperature gauge scale is nonlinear.  Normal, 195° F, is between 1/4 and 1/2 scale.
Title: Re: Yet another temp gauge question!
Post by: Rapid Roy on October 18, 2020, 03:39:53 PM
Mine runs at the first mark normally. In the summer using AC, it will get to the middle mark and sometimes a little over without over heating.
Title: Re: Yet another temp gauge question!
Post by: MikecLA on October 18, 2020, 04:51:20 PM
thanks guys. Getting the A/C working next, see if that affects the temp. might switch to a 165 t-stat if so.
Title: Re: Yet another temp gauge question!
Post by: bd on October 18, 2020, 04:54:50 PM
As long as you have a four-core radiator with good airflow, your truck should have zero cooling problems.  Stick with the 195° t-stat.