Water Temp Gauge

[egclassic]

I just bought a 96' Rinker with the 4.3LX Gen+ engine.
I have taken it out a few times so far and today I noticed that the temp gauge seems to be stuck at 160*. Even after it has sat now for about 4 hours, it still reads the same.
My question is, where do I start? Should I just buy a new gauge, assuming it is stuck, or is there a way to troubleshoot it. Tomorrow I plan to check voltage to the gauge.

 

[egclassic]

Re: Water Temp Gauge

Never mind, I turned the key to "on" and the gauge dropped to 120*
While I was under the dash checking the wiring, I found that someone had disconnected the alarm. I plugged it back in and when I turn the key to the "on" position, the alarm sounds. Is this normal, and just a test feature to make sure the alarm works? I did not continue to start the engine, for obvious reasons, to see if the alarm silences after it starts. Although it is annoying, I can't see why someone would unplug it, unless of course something is wrong with it and it does not turn off.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Water Temp Gauge

check your manifold to see if you have a temp sender and a switch.

If you dont see a switch there check the side of the block where your oil sending unit is and see if the switch is there. If so its an oil alarm and it is working normal. If its a heat alarm the switch must be bad.

 

[CheeseCutter]

Re: Water Temp Gauge

when I turn the key to the "on" position, the alarm sounds. Is this normal

Yes, it is normal. The reason it comes on without the engine running is that there is no oil pressure so it "trips" the alarm and will turn off once the engine is running and the pressure comes up.