Temp gauge or sending unit?

[ZeeCee]

i am running a OMC cobra, with a Ford 2.3 engine in an 87 bayliner.

Shortly after throttling up my engine, the temp gauge maxes out to the top. Feeling the engine with my hand, it appears to be a safe temp: too hot to rest my hand on for more than half a second, and doesn't seem to be getting any hotter as it runs. I replaced the thermostat, and the cooling system is moving water like it should, so i am concluding it must be the gauge itself.

so herein lies my question- Do yall think it would be the gauge itself bad, or the sending unit? or both? Also, where can i find the sending unit on the engine?

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Temp gauge or sending unit?

I can lay my arms on my exhaust manifolds.. Is yours that cool?? Ground the wire to the gauge.. If to pegs out.. The gauge is good.. If the sending unit is suspect.. Change it out.. Still shows a overheat... If so...bet ya it is really overheating...

 

[ZeeCee]

Re: Temp gauge or sending unit?

The exhaust manifold is cool enough for me to lay my hands on for sure, but the engine is too hot for me to rest my hand on for more than half a second or so.

where can i find the sending unit for the gauge?

which connection is the ground on the gauge? its a US Marine with 3 prongs on the back.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Temp gauge or sending unit?

If you know what wires you removed use a test light to find the hot.....ground will be the other
The sender is most likely near the t-stat housing..... I would think you have 2 senders.... one for the gauge and one for the overheat alarm... They kinda look like a brass plug with one wire attached.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Temp gauge or sending unit?

0980613 SENDING UNIT If ya need a new one.. Order it..
Sending unit is towards the rear of the block.. Not on the intake or the head like you would think..

As far as the gauge goes.. I can't help ya without a better look..