Gauge help !

[The Big Beast]

I have OEM gauges and I bought a new temp sending unit I tested the gauge and it works fine after installing it I hooked the wire to it and after driving it Max's out at 260 but my engine is not overheating or anything tested my thermostat . Anyone's info how to fix this problem would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[dyeager535]

Are you sure the sending unit is the right one? They didn't give you a switch did they? There were two available, one for idiot lights, one for gauges. Idiot light one should be, surprisingly enough, on/off in regards to needle position.

Gauge still responds properly with key on when you unplug the sender wire, then ground it? Should peg out to opposite sides of the gauge when you test this way.

 

[The Big Beast]

Yes it does . My old sender had a nail type connection this one has a slide connector on it. Is there anyway that this sender is not compatible with the oem gauges ?

 

[dyeager535]

Pic? Only correct one I'm aware of for this vintage is the nail head. Don't know when, if ever GM changed, but you can use the Vortec-style sender that removes the connector at the sender (which is a better setup) but that's just info, not relevant here.

If it's the vintage of these trucks (and car or truck, all the same), the senders are 0-90 ohms.

Do you have the old sender to try?

 

[The Big Beast]

Yes I hung onto it . I put my new radiator in and put my old temp sensor in and connected the wire and the gauge is reading right now. I think the people at the auto part store sold me the wrong sender . Thanks for everyone's help. I had to also replace the gauge.