1960 temperature gauge

[Mike M.]

Bought an all original 60' in the fall, finally got it out over the last few weekends and at first the temp gauge was running at 180/185 drove 50 miles no issues, checked with laser gun seemed real close!!
Only problem generator wasn't working, so I removed the generator diagnosied that the armature was bad, installed an original I had that was rewound, started the car yesterday, charging perfect ,after all I did was r and r the generator and with in five minutes the car was at 200/220 on the gauge
i used the laser thermostats/radiator are at 170/180 at idle or going down the road!!
So I guess my question is are there any resisters in the dash or any thing else that could trigger this issue all of a sudden??
As nothing else was touched!!

I checked all the wiring for chaffing, checked the wiring with an ohm meter and nothing grounded, all connections are tight etc, I installed a known good original GM sending unit, exactly the same results, so I'm thinking the gauge but before I touch anything I wanted some opinions if I was missing something be fore touching an all original car

Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Mike, If the generator wasn't charging then chances are supply voltage to the gauge was low. After you fixed the generator you're probably getting 13 to 14 volts now.

I suspect nothing happened to the gauge. It was the input supply voltage that changed. Seems like the typical sender issue to me. Just double check the terminals at the back of the gauge for good solid connections. This also includes ensuring a good ground on the gauge pod to the cluster and a good ground on the cluster itself.

You can add a quick test-ground-wire from the steering column to the small gauge pod case to see if it changes your readings.

Rich

[Terry D.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Mike
Do you know what temperature sending unit is in the manifold? I had the same problem on a 61, changed the sending unit (used a Wells TU-5) and got within 5 degrees of infared gun.

Terry

[Hank D.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Mike
Do you know what temperature sending unit is in the manifold? I had the same problem on a 61, changed the sending unit (used a Wells TU-5) and got within 5 degrees of infared gun.

Terry

Agree with Terry. The Wells TU-5 works well in my '60.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Guys thanks!
First thing this morning I did check the grounds at the cluster and a the pod as well all check good and tight!

I will try the sender with a new TU-5 next before anything else!

Where is the best place to buy it??

Thanks again

[Mike M.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Guys thanks!
First thing this morning I did check the grounds at the cluster and a the pod as well all check good and tight!

I will try the sender with a new TU-5 next before anything else!

Where is the best place to buy it??

Thanks again

[Leif A.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

I know that Auto Zone and Advanced Auto (probably many others) carry the Wells TU-5 unit. AutoZone uses their brand name of Duralast for the Wells unit.

[Wayne C.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

I am having a similar problem with my 62. The gauge rises normally to 140, then swings up to 180, (thermostat opens)? It will remain there for a few minutes and then slowly and steadily climb to 240. Laser shows 165 to 170. I have used an original, a repro, and an nos sender, all with the same results. Getting ready to check connections next. I don't know of anything that changed to cause this problem. Could the gauge cause this problem? Thanks for any thoughts. Wayne

[Mike M.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Changed to the TU-5 this afternoon and the exact same reading not one bit of difference!
I did check three sensors all at 160 180 200 220 degrees and the closet ohm reading in all 4 check points was the TU-5 closest compared to the others in which were way off, so at this point I left that one in for more diag.

Is there a gauge calibration process/check???
Whats my next step???
At this point any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks mike

[Terry D.]

Re: 1960 temperature gauge

Since the problem started after you replaced the generator, the first question that comes to mind is did you disconnect the battery when you fixed generator? Either way as long as the radiator doesn't boil over I would wait till fall, then pull the gauge and have it tested.