temp gauge won't work

trooperjim

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
23
I have a 4.3 that was just rebuilt. I installed a new thermostat and water temp sensor. If I ground out the wire, the water temp gauge pegs. On the garden hose, the starboard exhaust/water (thermometer in the water stream) is 140 degrees and the port side is 110 degrees. My gauge starts at 120 degrees but won't register the 140 degrees or show any movement at all. Any suggestions? I bought the boat with a bad engine and know nothing about the history of the boat. Thanks.
 

fishinpa

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 2, 2009
Messages
221
Re: temp gauge won't work

did you use sealer or tape on the threads for the sender ??



fish
 

trooperjim

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
23
Re: temp gauge won't work

No. I didn't add anything to it. It has the kind of orange coating on the threads that it came with. It wasn't working before, so, I'm thinking it might be something else?
 

Lyle29464

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
1,261
Re: temp gauge won't work

I would hook a ground wire to the sender case and see if that does it. Your system may by-pass excess water to the exhaust giving you a low reading. The orange stuff may not let the sender read correct.
 

trooperjim

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
23
Re: temp gauge won't work

I hooked a ground wire to the thermostate housing and the gauge came alive. Thanks for the help!
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Re: temp gauge won't work

I hooked a ground wire to the thermostate housing and the gauge came alive. Thanks for the help!

Ayuh,... The orange thread sealer shouldn't be a problem,...
But,...
When you reinstalled the T-Stat Housing,.. Did you use the Right gaskets, Marine gaskets,..??
There's supposed to be a brass crush rivet in the gaskets for continuity...
Sounds like your's Don't...
 

pwpns

Seaman
Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
64
Re: temp gauge won't work

trooper jim I noticed in a earlier post you talked about your engine stumbling and backfiring above idle. How did you correct the problem I have a 99 Stingray with a 4.3 that I just rebuilt that is doing the same thing
 

trooperjim

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
23
Re: temp gauge won't work

It turned out that the distrubitor cap was bolted to the base 1/4 turn off by the machine shop. Be sure to check your index marks on the distrubitor cap to make sure everything aligns up. the Male piece was pressed down so I guess he didn't notice that there was a slot for it to fit in. Didn't think it would make a difference but, it did...instantly!
 
Top