The console temp gauge in my 69 reads hot constantly when hooked up to the thermostat. I know the thermostat is right for the car, I think that it may be a faulty gauge. Does any one know how to test the temp gauge?

More than likely it is a faulty temperature sending unit. These fail quite often. GM still makes them for first gens but I can't recall the part number. This has happened to me twice over the last year.

Normally the sending unit will be in the driver's side head next to the #3 spark plug. Some people have them rigged up to be in the manifold instead of the head which gives you a little more accurate reading.

[This message has been edited by sr71bb (edited 05-09-2000).]

Be sure to check the ground line to the gauge. The gauge requires a ground line to use as a referance voltage. I forgot to hook up my console gauge ground when I worked on the car last week and as soon as I turned on the lights it buried the temp gauge to the max.

------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Speaking about temp gauges. Where should the gauge read and what number does each line stand for?

------------------
'69 RS SS 396 375hp L78 Convertible, M22, 3.31 posi, deluxe interior, gauges, rosewood wheel, AM-FM,fold down seat, tilt wheel, SS wheels, console mounted 8 track player

Chris,

I have a BB as you know and the hottest mine normally gets is a little more than half way but I have a new 4 core radiator and I am running a 160 degree thermostat with clutch fan setup.

this was the answer i got when i asked: http://www.camaros.net/forum/Forum1/HTML/000872.html



------------------
To see a pic of my car, click here... pages.prodigy.net/mtbmtb/rf396ss.jpg (http://pages.prodigy.net/mtbmtb/rf396ss.jpg)

Currently I am running a 180 deg. thermostat with a 7 blade clutch fan and 3-core radiator. Needle gets to 1/4 up at the highest.

Yeah, it's a pain to do but you can calibrate the gauge by removing the sending unit, hang the sender in a pot of water, and use a candy thermometer to log temps. Run a length of wire from the temp wire to your workbench to make it easier. Be sure to ground the unit and the pot. I did this to verify my Autometer gauge readings.

------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc