Temp Sender

Sugo

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
160
On my 4.3L mercruiser (1994?) my temp gauge does not work correctly. The gauge does not move even when it the motor is up to operating temperature. When I ground the wire off the sender the gauge needle moves to full hot suggesting the gauge is ok. I am going to remove the sender and check it. in some water on the stove. How can I tell if my thermostat is opening correctly without removing it? I would think even if the thermostat is not opening correctly I should get some reading on the gauge. Maybe a the sender threads have corrosion and not grounding. Any tips would be helpful. How many ohms should I read at 140 degrees?
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Temp Sender

Have you replaced the thermostat recently? If so, did you use the proper Merc gaskets or did you use some cheap crappy automotive gasket (or cut your own)?
 

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Temp Sender

Without meaning to hijack this thread why won't regular gaskets work? And to the OP buy an inexpensive Infrared thermometer and confirm the temp reading at the base of the sending unit. If it matches the gauge then the thermostat is stuck open.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Temp Sender

... why won't regular gaskets work? ....

Because a 'regular' gasket doesn't have the brass continuity eyelets.... Like this...

BTW part # is 27-530451 (about $3 worth... Why would anyone go non-genuine for that amount? :facepalm:)

attachment.php
 

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Sugo

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
160
Re: Temp Sender

Thanks guys, I went today and purchased a new thermostat. Once I got it apart I suspect the gasket is my issue. (the thermostat was in bad shape as well) The previous owner did not use the proper gasket and the sender may not have been fully grounded. I tested the sender in a pot on the stove and it seems to work. I will post my conclusions when the parts come in on Wednesday.
 

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Temp Sender

Well I did 'cause they didn't have one available on a Sunday :( If it gives me trouble I guess I'll do it again :)
 

Sugo

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
160
Re: Temp Sender

Problem solved, Yes the gasket was the culprit. I am sure cleaning up the threads on the sender didn't hurt either
 
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