Is there a way to test the temp gauge?

The temp gauge on my '69 isn't working, it's stuck about 1/4 of the way up, is there a way to test it? I don't think it's the sender, I've never had a sender act like that, has anyone else?
Thanks,
Matt

Hey Mark,

My Guage was acting funny as well. If you take the wire off the sender on the engine block and ground it against something the guage should peak. Try this first to see if the guage is responding correctly. If it is it is your sender, if not possibly a short in the wire somewhere.

For me it was just the sender. I unscrewed the old one and screwed in the new one and have had no problems since.

Good Luck!

I'll give 'er a try.

Thanks for the good info,

Matt

Good advise- it worked for me - sender was bad
Al

I prefer to try it in three conditons, unplugged, grounded, and with a test light or resistor in between the wire and ground. This will give you pegged cold, pegged hot, and something inbetween. It you get all three, replace the sending unit. Most of the time it's the sending unit.

Thanks Guys, it worked! I grounded the wire and the gauge jumped to the top, when I disconnected it, it went back to the bottom. It works now, but I think the sender is reading too low. I will opt for a new sender. I was all ready to fork over $60 for a new gauge and the pain in the butt to change it, you guys saved me a BIG hassle. I really appreciate all the good advice here.
Thanks Again,
Matt

Thanks Guys, it worked! I grounded the wire and the gauge jumped to the top, when I disconnected it, it went back to the bottom. It works now, but I think the sender is reading too low. I will opt for a new sender. I was all ready to fork over $60 for a new gauge and the pain in the butt to change it, you guys saved me a BIG hassle. I really appreciate all the good advice here.
Thanks Again,
Matt

If you renove the sending unit, do you have to plug the hole to prevent any fluid from leaking?

I've never taken it out, and forgot to do it when I changed my oil...

Is it just tapped into the block or drilled through?

I haven't done it yet, but the hole usually goes into the water jacket. I think you have to drain the anti freeze.

Matt

should be in the drivers side head..

usually when I remove the sender temporarily (to take it to the parts store for example)

i just use a threaded plug... i think it is a 3/4" plug..

remember to pipe tape it.. if you have the plug ready and handy and pull the sender you can put your thumb over the hole and slide the plug in place and screw it in..

you'll lose a little water but if you do it right.. very little