temp guage for a 1964 starflite 75

[mrfixitman40]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is possible to put a actual temp guage instead of the light or how the light works is it just a bulb that grounds when the temp gets too hot or is there more to it i have had it out about a dozen times it runs great had a couple timing and carb issues but nothing real alarming but the water flow doesn't seam to good out the exhaust hole i have ran it for 3 hours strait pulling kids on a tube and went and checked with my hand and it is not hot do these motors bow water somewhere else or is the water pump or thermostat bad thanks for any advice you can give me

 

[yorab]

Re: temp guage for a 1964 starflite 75

I have a 63 Starflite. The temp switches are the same though. The switch does ground when the temp at the head reaches a critical temp. I'd have to look at my manual to see what the critical temp is. When the switch is made, the circuit completes and there should be a HOT warning light near the dash to let you know. Somebody else will have to let you know about a guage.
By the way, you can test the switch to see if it works. The test involves placing the switch into hot water. Use a thermometer to know the exact temp of the water. The switch should open at the critical temp. If nobody else posts back, I'll look at my manual when I get home to let you know the critical temp.

 

[ezeke]

Re: temp guage for a 1964 starflite 75

The light is controlled by a temperature switch in the cylinder head. It probably has a tan wire that runs through the harness to the control panel. You can add or substitute a 12V horn to it if you like, but it is strictly on/off. Radio shack sells a variety of inexpensive 12V horns, constant, slow beep, etc. for less than $10.


You can add a temperature gauge to any engine. It uses a variable resistor type sender that usually has to be held in contact with the cylinder head by a Z bar. The essential is that negative contact is through the engine block and that the gauge has 12 volts positive to complete the circuit.

I have only used the Teleflex and OMC/BRP kits, but both come with the sender, Z bar bracket, gauge and wire.

 

[F_R]

Re: temp guage for a 1964 starflite 75

You have to remove the water cover off the cylinder head to get the temp sensor out for testing. Not worth the effort. To test the light's electrical circuit, slide the insulator sleeve off the connectors by the sensor and ground the (tan) wire to the head with the ignition switch turned on. Bulb should light.

In later years, the bulb was replaced by a horn. Nobody ever sees the light, but the horn will wake you up. You can make the change on yours.

Want to know the truth? Neither one works worth a hoot. The warning comes after the motor is already overheated.

There are temperature guage kits. They work nicely, if you look at it. Both the horn and guage is better.

Best thing of all is make sure the water pump is in top notch condition and then you don't have to worry about it.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: temp guage for a 1964 starflite 75

thank you guys for the info i am going to check into the guage i just wasn't sure if there was any way to install it on the motor but the z bar sounds like it would work well then the next step is to get a working tach mine is all corroded inside and not picking up any connection