'63 temp sender/gauge gremlins

[Don Izzo]

My friends 63 temp gauge (with a small block non matching motor) is reading hot (220 degrees) with no other signs of overheating. Is the temp sender sensitive to the gauge the way the C1 temp senders are. During a top end rebuild He replaced the sender for a genaric auto parts store unit, and having never driven the car until just recently has no known history of actual water temp. I have one of the Well's TU-5 senders from Auto-Zone that is recommended for the C-1 and we are wondering if we should swap out the other unit.

Don

[G B.]

Re: '63 temp sender/gauge gremlins

You can try it. And you can try the new reproduction sending units that are advertised as "correct". In fact, I have some of each that I will sell you for a bargain price because they didn't work in mid-years for me.

[Celeste Frey]

Re: '63 temp sender/gauge gremlins

If this is a 327/300, you would want to look into... Corvette Clocks, by: Roger, has all of your answers and units. 1-800-752-3421

[Bob R.]

Re: '63 temp sender/gauge gremlins

There are many reasons for the car to read 220. My 63 300HP has hit 220 on some occasions also. I checked the accuracy of my gage and found it to be close to accurate. You might want to get an infared tester and check the temperature at the thermostate outlet.
The cooling system in the C2 Corvettes has very little room for error. Did you check the following items:
An accurate 180 degree thermostate
Aluminum radiator clean and in good condition.
Proper timing of engine
Water pump fuctioning properly
Fan clutch working properly
Radiator shroud seal in place
I also had some difficulty filling the top hose with water. This left an air pocket in the top hose.
For your info my car runs at temp. as long as I'm moving. Long waits in lines makes the temp creep up.