1964 Water Temp Sensor & Gauge Problem?

[malbaby]

Hi Guys....Currently my gauge is not reading correctly.
When engine is at operating temp, the gauge only reads at about one quarter of the scale [ needle just touches the "T"], instead of at least half way.
Sensor problem??

[paulr]

Is the T a change from the way your gauge historically read? Otherwise, my gauge always read normally right at that T point forever.

[malbaby]

Thanks Paul....it has been there since I have owned the car from 2016, hardly ever driven.
Was wondering if the sensor needed replacement....I am not clever with ohm meters.

[David Langhorne]

You can check the gauge by earthing the wire from the sender to ground. If it reads max then there is a problem with the sender unit. Mine was reading low until I changed it last year and now it reads half most of the time. Of course some PO may have removed the thermostat which would give low reading.

[DakotaLee]

Hi Guys....Currently my gauge is not reading correctly.
When engine is at operating temp, the gauge only reads at about one quarter of the scale [ needle just touches the "T"], instead of at least half way.
Sensor problem??

My temp gauge now sits right on/ just after the T when warm. I just assume that means it's working properly. It used to hover on 1/2 to 3/4 on hot days(that is when it wasn't overheating), but not since I put in a proper copper/brass radiator and put a spring in the lower hose. I think you should be okay.

[64ZCODE]

Would be good to verify the actual temp of the coolant when the car is warmed up, for example with an IR temp gun by pointing it at the top tank of the radiator. It should be 195-220 F. If it's in the right operating range, and your temp gauge registers increases or decreases in coolant temperature, you should be good to go.

[malbaby]

I have just bought and fitted a new generic Ford temp sensor, but obviously the wrong one as the gauge does not read correctly
Does anyone know the resistance "ohm" figures for cold/warm/hot.

[64ZCODE]

BTW checked and the needle of the temp gauge in my '64 is normally on the "T".

[malbaby]

OK...thanks guys.