so i put in my swap and noticed the temp gauge wasn't working but thats not the only thing... we thought that maybe the thermostat needed changed because the bottom radiator hose was not getting hot so its not circulating the fluid... can anyone help me on the temp sensor is plugged in its just not reading it on the gauge cluster and i think if it did the thermostat would kick open am i right or wrong is there anyone who has had this problem? any help would be great...

 

The 1-wire temperature sending unit under the distributor does not affect the thermostat. They are completely independent. Start by replacing the thermostat. Next, disconnect the connector to sending unit and then ground the wire to the engine. With the key ON, the temperature reading on the gauge should rise. If not, the gauge may be bad. If so, the sending unit is probably bad.

 

ok i replaced the thermostat for a second time ... grounded the one wire on the temp sensor connection (that connects to the thermostat housing) the fan kicked on gauge still isnt working... anyone else have this problem

 

You grounded the 2P connector for the coolant temperature switch on the thermostat housing. You need to ground the 1P connector for the sending unit located below the distributor.

 

so even tho its already plugged into the temp gauge sending unit i need to ground it as well? seems kinda odd if it wasnt done like that before so your saying splice in a ground to the wire?

 

Yes, disconnect the sending unit connector, ground the connector to the engine, and have a buddy watch the temperature gauge. If the temp reading rises, then the sending unit is bad.

 

alright sounds good i appreciate your help ill let you know if it works and thanks for such a fast reply to my question ...