So i was getting a really low reading on my temp gauge, low as in always cold, I picked up the book and read that the wire from the engine unit to the gauge probably needed to be replaced, upon popping open the hood and checking out the engine unit it was covered in oil gunk, so i got some wd-40 and cleaned it up with a rag, did the same to the connector on the wire and reconnected it, afterward, started my motor and let it run idle in my backyard for about 10+ minutes, it went up in temp, but i'm just wondering how high the needle needs to go to be at a normal level, i'm sure its different for every motor, but this is a straight 6, all stock, the car is all stock, so is this where the needle is supposed to be on the gauge or should it be hotter ??.. I turned off the motor for a minute or two, then restarted it, and it raised alittle.. here's the pics of the gauge, appreciate the help.. thanks -Anthony The hood was popped during all this if that matters..
Keep cleaning your engine until you get the reading you want...... Seriously, as I recall on the '57 with a 235 I had many years ago, it stayed pretty near a little towards the "C" side from the middle. These gages aren't real accurate, however.
I would'nt be worried about the gauge. I seem to remember that being fairly normal range. The temp will always go up a little after shutting the motor down because the motor is hot but the water isn't circulating anymore so it picks up ambient heat------------I think
yeah thats why i shut it off for awhile, figure it might get hotter and when i start it up i'll get a hotter reading.. and kraka, i am worrying about the temp being too high, thats why i'm asking if this is correct or maybe my gauge is reading way off and if i overheated it wouldnt raise past the middle.. know what i mean ??? Thanks guys.. -Anthony Anyone know a good rebuild kit for my single barrel carb, when i hold the gas down 1/4 of the way it gives me little misses or boggs (misfires) not really a backfire, just a little miss, this happened to me on the freeway going about 55-60 it felt like i ran outta gas, just bogged out but didn't turn off, i pulled over and it was still runnin, revved up just fine in park, so i drove it off slowley home, that was at night too, so i'm thinkin the carb needs a going through.. Thanks -Anthony
Electric gauges work off of resistance. When a wire gets old, maybe some of the strands have broken, whatever; the resistance becomes greater which will affect your reading. If you're really that worried about it replace the wire and you can figure your reading to be true.
Good way of thinking.. I might just do that, the wire is pretty hard and doesn't flex much.. never thought that it could be broken on the inside. Any other 57 chevy guys get the same reading or does yours mark higher at normal opt temp ?? Thanks. -Anthony
Take wire off sending unit ground end .with ign.switch to on only. needle should peg to full hot, wire not grounded should be full cold. Ago
It depends on what thermostat you're using. Put a cooking thermometer in the radiator and see what the temp is reading. A 180 is probably the default for a 6. It will take more than 10 minutes at idle to get there though.
Might try hooking up a mechanical temp gauge or using an infrared temp gun to check for hot/cold spots. I wouldn't worry about it though
i'm gonna try but i dont wanna be stuck on the side of the road, smoke coming from the hood.. its gonna be a hot summer out here in so cal... maybe its time for a v8 Thanks -Anthony
My dad had the same problem on his 59 Elco...he purchased one of those radiator caps with the temp guage in it so he could compare it to his stock guage so he would have an idea if it was truly getting hot or not.....good luck
Good idea!!.. never seen one of those.. is that something i can pick up at napa or a special thing to order ?? Thanks outlaw, -Anthony
My pops got one from PepBoys....they dont have them by the stock ones..they are in a different area...just ask.. My dad took it off his Elco and put it on his corvette that has digital guages to check how accurate, and it was only off by 2 degrees...I think he paid $27 for it...just bought it last weekend....good luck...
You can just get one of those small mechanical temp gauges and install it in one of the other plugged openings. You could hide it in the glove box or leave it under the hood as a back-up.
Well i drove around today and everything seemed ok.. i think i'll just keep a closer eye on my water level and have fun cruisin around this summer... now to napa to by a rebuild kit for the carb! Thanks guys. -Anthony
Looks like you are running 160 degree thermostat, since that is about where my old 59 chevy with 283 and 160 ran. Check the gauge as explained in previous posts by grounding the sending unit wire and it should go to the H.
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