1990 temp gauge stuck

[Calvin C.]

A while back my 1990 water temp gauge was burried to the hot side. I
found a wire under the car just above the starter that seemed to be
shorting from heat. I insulated it and the gauge was fine.

I had my starer replaced and now my Temp gauge is doing the same thing.
I looked under the car and it appears they broke a sensor that is
screwed into the bock just above the starter to it's rear.

What is this sensor? (It is about 1" to 2' in diameter)
Would it effect the temp gauge?
Where can I get a new one?

Thank you
cal
PS. This is a great group.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 temp gauge stuck

cal-----

I'm not aware of a coolant sensor in the area you describe, although there may be one there. In the GENERAL area, there is a knock sensor, though.

Look at the attached photo. Which one of the 3 pictured sensors does the one that you're referring to look like?

[Calvin C.]

Re: 1990 temp gauge stuck

It is the big one, the knock sensor, would this also effect my temp gauge, are they grounded.

cal

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 temp gauge stuck

cal-----

The knock sensor would have no effect, at all, on the temperature gauge. However, if it's broken, you do need to replace it.

2 wire temperature sensors are usually grounded through one of the wires; single wire sensors are grounded through their point of interface (e.g. block, cylinder head, intake manifold, thermo housing, etc.). Don't mistake a temperature SENSOR for a temperature SWITCH; 2 wire temperature SWITCHES ground through their point of interface.

[Calvin C.]

Re: 1990 temp gauge stuck

thanks Joe and
I followed the wire back from the engine sensor and the short was in the harnes just above the starter, not sure why it is shorting there but that is it. I will have to take the starter out and open the harness up repare and put back to original.

thanks again
cal