66 GTO gauge help needed

[Kevin Lohman]

Have a 66 GTO WS3x2, when car warms warms up the temp gauge gradually goes to 200+ and floats between 210 to pegged 245, I don't think I'm overheated, a gauge problem? I had temp sending unit and fan clutch replaced, didn't solve anything. Any experts in Seattle area for help appreciated.

Kevin

[theJUDGE]

Kevin,
I would suggest stopping by a shop around where you live to have them check the water temp with a lazer/digital temp gun. Have them point & chick onto the thermostat housing to determine the true reading vs. your suspected faulty guage.

I am not a tri-power expert but with your high reading water temp guage & your hot start issues, you may be experiencing some form of vapor lock if the temp is correct.

Also if the temp is true to the guage I would go straight to replacing the thermostat to address the hot running condition.

[66GTOLVR]

What did you ever figure out on your temp gauge? I am now experiencing the same problem. Was just looking for guidance to fix this problem. Replaced the temp sender with a Lectric Limited Sender and no decisive difference to make me feel comfortable with the gauge. Gauge still acts up. I have 4bbl and no a/c.

Does gague need taken out and calibrated to sender?

[Icelander]

Here's a McGuyver solution to check your gauges:

Boil a pot of water and use a candy thermometer to see what temp the water is. Carry the pot out and set your temp sender unit into the water (make sure that your ground circuit is complete and the top lead is not in the water) and turn on the ignition. See what your gauge reads.

GrandPa was a master mechanic and he never needed an IR thermometer.

[theJUDGE]

I bet Grandma was pissed whenever she found the candy thermometer in the garage.

[Red_Rider]

I got my candy thermometer at the Goodwill for about a buck. It stays in the garage. I've checked the water temperature as it enters the radiator and obtained readings equal to the themostat, i.e. 180. Radiator cap off, engine running and warm, water flowing.

When installing a temperature sensor, do not coat it with teflon tape. It can hamper the ground and effect the temperature readings. Also, make sure the engine is properly grounded. A bad ground can have all sorts of adverse effects.