Temp sender question..

[Eric VerValin]

Ok.. I was wondering if I was running too cold, because of the way my guage reads inside the car. My heat kicks on when the needle touches the lower line, and the system cycles (thermostat opens) at the very bottom of the letter L.

I was nervous that maybe I was running in that wonderful rich mode, so I borrowed a nifty little lazer thermometer thing, (not sure what their called) Started the car cold, turned my heat on Auto, then pointed my toy at the thermostat housing. Kinda cool to watch it warm up in increments of a 1/2 degree. Well, the heater kicks on at about 150 degrees, and I watched the temp creep up to 191.5... hung there a second, then 191, 190.5, 190...... Soooo mechanically everything is cool, I just wonder about that gauge sending unit. The ''ideal operating temp" is in reality only about a quarter inch wide on the gauge.

Anyone know how that thing actually operates / interperets the signal it recieves? Which of these two more closely would represent how they read...



Are the increments in guage fluctuation the same as they are in the 150-190 range? If that makes more sence... Because N of normal would be like 350 degrees Know what I'm sayin?

 

[SHOZ123]

Simple resistive sensor.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Now I think the sensor is just getting corroded or old. I don't like that push connector either.. I think its junk.. need to wire a round terminal on it, but I dont think its a screw is it?

 

[SHOZ123]

Should be. 10-32 or 8-32 thread if it's the same as the oil pressure sender.