hey does anyone know of where i can find a good mechanical aftermarket water temp gauge ? i am not totally sure if the one in my car is reading correctly anymore and would like a replacement that would also fit into the dash where the old one sits. thanks all.

 

Try replacing the sending unit first. A mechanical gauge is a great backup, but replacing a stock gauge just makes it look like a hack job (IMO). All of the 3rd gen sending unit gauges are notorious for mis-reads due to failing sending units.

 

really? where is the sending unit? because i have recently replaced the thermostat and the part that goes on the manifold that has the wire... i forget what its called. and the antifreeze is full as where it should be. and the car keeps saying that its running at like 240...

 

I ran every possible combination of sensor and wiring and it never seemed right. Eventually I installed a cheapy sunpro just above my right knee, tucked up against the console. Unobtrusive and out of the way. Eventually, I got rid of the HVAC controls and custom mounted them in the control spot. (just below the radio) Be aware, 240 may be the actual temp shes running at. Old radiator, clogged fins and dirty coolant can make that much of a difference.....

 

Scott is correct. You wouldn't believe how much a coolant flush and a good radiator and condensor clean out will help. Make sure the air dam is in place as well. The coolant temp sensor is on the drivers side of the block threaded in the head. They can go bad. They are like 25$ to replace. Since you'll be loosing coolant out of the motor anyway, check the coolant, bottom hose, etc. It shouldn't be running that hot.

 

the coolant temp sensor i have replaced. and the car has been sitting in my garage for a few years so maybe it is much needed to flush out the system. i will def give this a shot. i can't recall whether i have replaced the radiator over the years but thanks so much for the info guys.

 

You replaced the temperature sensor, which is what tells the computer when the engine is up to temp so it can adjust the air/fuel mixture, etc. accordingly. That sensor has nothing to do with your gauge. The sending unit for the gauge is in the drivers side head, between the #1 and #3 cylinder.

 

it only has a single wire.make sure the connection is good also