Hi I posted some info on my 1967 Satellite with a stock 383 engine. I have been having some problems with the heat gauge running very hot. As i mentioned earlier i have a new 3 core rad, new thermostat and have never had a problem with a heat issue. I changed the temperature sensor and have found no change. Useing a thermometer after running the engine at idle for approximately 30 minutes i find the top of the rad at 154f the upper heater hose at 165f, the lower at 134f and the water pump at 156f. I feel these numbers are normal so my gauge is probably defective. I can get another gauge on ebay but is it better to get an aftermarket with more precise sensitivity and if so where do i install it so it does not take away from the originality of the car.Any advice appreciated. Pete

 

Pete -

A better sanity check would be a radiator cap with a built in thermometer. A more long term fix would be a mechanical temp gauge in addition to the factory gauge. That way you'll get an accurate reading and be able to compare it to the factory readings. Naturally you'll have to find bushings that are on the same side of the water flow.

(I have both factory electric and after market gauges and happily they are always in synch.)

Archer

 

Before you change the gauge, I'd be checking or replacing the voltage limiter.

What other gauges does the car have, IE fuel, oil, ? And do they seem OK?

 

My gas gauge is perfect and the oil gauge is an idiot light it comes on when starting the car and goes off after started as expected so i thought the limiter was working. Pete

 

I have spare voltage limiters, is there a way of testing them while out to see if they are good? Pete

 

I know of no way. You might "rig" them through a stop/ tail lamp but all that would prove is that it cycles on/ off. It would not prove it's accurate. If there's any question, I would either get one of the modern solid state replacements, or if you Google around you can actually build your own using an integrated 5V regulator chip