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Hi, new guy here! The water temperature gauge on my 1970 Corvette Convertible shows either cold or quickly flips to the operating temperature once it has warmed up for 7-10 minutes. It does not gradually climb as the car runs for a period of time. Is this normal? If not, could this be a problem with the sending unit? Your expertise would be appreciated!
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22739
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
A quick way to test that is to ground the sending unit wire and watch the gauge. You'll need two people for your issue, since it flips quickly. With the wire disconnected, the gauge should read cold. Grounded it will read full hot. If you watch the gauge while someone grounds the wire, it should go full hot instantly. If it takes a second or two to do that, the problem is in the gauge itself. There is also a resistor on the back of the gauge that could be failing, and cause the problem. If the gauge responds properly when grounded, then the sender unit is the more likely culprit.
Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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W
Thank you very much for tasking the time to share this information. I will give this a try and see what happens.
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R
Similar issue with my 1990 C4. No temp registered on the water temp gauge at all. Will the wire grounding work to test it?
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m
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Send PMEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2593
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Not sure of your dilemma. But my 93 required a new sender, thermostat, and purged.
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