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Temperature gauge problem

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andyf
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Temperature gauge problem

Postby andyf » 19 Jan 2017 14:13

Hopefully a nice easy one for someone, my temperature gauge has died. Over the last twelve months or so it has at times not worked but a wiggle of the spade connector on the sender solved it, but not this time. I have cut the wire back about 1/2 inch and fitted a new connector, but nothing.

Using a standard cheapy multimeter, how would I go about testing the sender, or what else do you think could be the issue, and again, how to test it?

Thanks folks.
1980 Persian Aqua DHC

darrellw
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby darrellw » 19 Jan 2017 14:43

There is a good write up on the sender here:

http://www.team.net/TR8/tr8cca/wedgelab ... sender.htm

It should give you some idea of the resistance the sender should be showing at various temps.
Darrell Walker
66 TR4A IRS-SC CTC67956L
81 TR8 SATPZ458XBA406206
Vancouver, WA, USA

FI Spyder
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby FI Spyder » 19 Jan 2017 14:49

Take the sender out and measure on the ohm scale at different temperatures of water in a container. The figures are in OEM manual. When I bought my car the temp gauge was at zero on the 900 miles drive back in 90 degree heat (I was a little nervous after reading about overheating). I replaced the sender and all was good since (just a little above quarter in all conditions).
- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 2013 Volt - Yellow TCT

skertonman
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby skertonman » 19 Jan 2017 18:29

I recall many moons ago, to do a quick check to see if was gauge or sender, hold the sender unit wire to ground (engine block) with the ignition on, and if the gauge went all the way to hot, then it was the sender unit at fault, and if not then it was the gauge.

Sounds a bit complicated testing for various resistances.

andyf
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby andyf » 19 Jan 2017 21:55

That's more like it, nice and simple (like me). I shall try that first, thanks.
1980 Persian Aqua DHC

stevie_a
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby stevie_a » 20 Jan 2017 18:15

Sorry Andy just seen this, yeah as said put ignition on and put wire to block, get someone to look at the gauge and watch if it goes up to hot.

If it does you can get a sender unit from Robsport or S&S or for easiness on E-bay for £6.90

Here


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221908876365? ... EBIDX%3AIT


.
If it's not broke don't fix it.

FI Spyder
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby FI Spyder » 21 Jan 2017 14:53

That's a quick binary solution to see if the sender is not working at all or if it is working (maybe just kind of). It doesn't tell you if the slope is right (the signal sent to the gauge) so you get the right needle action to indicate the temperature of the coolant (assuming the gauge is working right).
- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 2013 Volt - Yellow TCT

andyf
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby andyf » 28 Jan 2017 18:35

Sadly it`s not the sender, I have a spare instrument binnacle so will swap the gauge next and see if that sorts it.
1980 Persian Aqua DHC

andyf
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Re: Temperature gauge problem

Postby andyf » 14 Mar 2017 19:34

Sorry I completely forgot to close this. It was indeed a faulty gauge, nice and easy fix, thanks for all the help.
1980 Persian Aqua DHC

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