Correct operating temp

[TroyaCantrell]

So I found and read a bunch of temp and related threads and from what I can tell correct operating temp should be about 190 or so. Well I installed a new instrument cluster, new wiring harness, new sending unit and after about 5 - 10 minutes running ( in the garage) the gauge is up at the mark on the H side, right at the mark. It starts out at the C and slowly moves up. I took an IR thermometer gun and checked temp all around the block, water pump, thermostat housing , intake manifold, and nothing was over 185.

I did use some Teflon tape on the sending unit, could that cause the gauge to show too hot?


Troy--
CJ Build thread- http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f98/1966-cj-6-build-15075/

 

[rr41mag]

How is it when you drive?

 

[hole]

What brand gauges and sending unit? My wifes XJ only seems to like factory parts for things to work/register temps correctly.

 

[Torxhead]

Troy, if you want a more accurate reading on the coolant temp, you can do stuff like a temporary installation of a mechanical gauge for something to compare to. I understand that using teflon tape can break a electrical connection, but a resistance check with a voltmeter can check that between the sender and the negative battery terminal. I have even checked gauges and thermostats by using a meat thermometer as a reference in boiling water.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Thanks guys the gauge cluster is a new rugged ridge unit. Sender is new as well for auto zone I think.

Same when driving hovers around that mark. It does move some, to slightly above when sitting to slightly below when moving.

I may temp install an actual gauge and to do some testing.


Troy Cantrell
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Build thread - '66 CJ6 :
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15075

 

[busterswt]

Any luck with this? I'm experiencing the same issue with a new Omix-Ada speedo/temp/fuel cluster and an over the counter sender from O'Reillys. Haven't dug into it just yet, but will let you know what I find (if I find anything...)

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Any luck with this? I'm experiencing the same issue with a new Omix-Ada speedo/temp/fuel cluster and an over the counter sender from O'Reillys. Haven't dug into it just yet, but will let you know what I find (if I find anything...)

No not yet, still troubleshooting as well. Will post an update with any new results too.


Troy Cantrell
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Build thread - '66 CJ6 :
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15075

 

[Jimbos76cj]

make sure your temp gauge and sender have the same ohm range.. also teflon tape can cause a inaccurate reading depending on how thick it is applied.

You should be able to find out from rugged ridge what brand and ohm range the gauge is then try to find a matching sender

 

[BusaDave9]

So I found and read a bunch of temp and related threads and from what I can tell correct operating temp should be about 190 or so. Well I installed a new instrument cluster, new wiring harness, new sending unit and after about 5 - 10 minutes running ( in the garage) the gauge is up at the mark on the H side, right at the mark. It starts out at the C and slowly moves up. I took an IR thermometer gun and checked temp all around the block, water pump, thermostat housing , intake manifold, and nothing was over 185.

I did use some Teflon tape on the sending unit, could that cause the gauge to show too hot?


Troy--

The OEM thermostat is 195°. The outside of the engine will always be cooler than the inside.
The OEM gauge that only says H and C is no more accurate than a wet finger held in the air to find out wind direction. When I had an OEM temp gauge It was always at H after the engine warmed up. If you want a temp gauge that tells you anything useful get one that has temperatures, not just a H and a C.