Temperature gauge not working properly

The temperature gauge of my 63 Eldorado does not work properly.

It goes slowly all the way up and stays there, while the true temperature is around 155-160 F (water in the radiator and/or the top of the thermostat housing).

Where should I start to solve the problem? The gauge itself, the temperature sensor, or the wiring? Or something else? The sensor is a new (aftermarket part) and the thermostat worked fine when I tested it in a saucepan. 

Many thanks

-Samu

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Comment by Jason Edge on October 26, 2023 at 5:24pm

I received my 5 sending units today and they are spot on in terms of expected resistance reading and operation in my 64 Coupe de Ville. The 4 extras will be for sale for $20 each ($15 for Chapter Members).  I also of course still have a good used one that came out of my car. Here are some pictures:

Comment by Jason Edge on October 23, 2023 at 8:30pm

That is good news, Bob. I ordered 5 and will do a comparison with the original I have in my car.

Jason. 

Comment by Robert Schles on October 23, 2023 at 5:11pm

It recently bought an ACDelco temp sensor from Rockauto https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=343530&cc=1320309&a...

It is working like it should, reading the temperature correctly.  

Comment by Jason Edge on October 23, 2023 at 4:28pm

That is good news indeed. Now, if they would only start reproducing the correct replacements. The list if defective replacement parts is growing!

Comment by SK on October 23, 2023 at 3:24pm

Better late than never:

I finally plugged in the good used temp sensor bought from Jason, and the problem is solved.

The temp gauge stayed now at the lower 1/4 mark. The weather was allready quite cold (~35 degrees Fahrenheit), but with the previous sensor the gauge went up whatever the outside temperature was. 

That test drive was the last one for this season. Case closed and a good start for the garage season.

-Samu

Comment by Jason Edge on March 23, 2022 at 7:46pm

As Chris noted, most new temp sending units (at least the ones from China) are mis-calibrated and give a false hi reading. I have a good used sending unit that gives a resistance in the correct range I have seen for good sending units over the years for $20. I only have the one for now and the demand has been growing. I can ship to US destinations for $10 for a total of $30.  If you want it, shoot me an email to jasonedge@nc.rr.com.  

Comment by Chris Codd on March 23, 2022 at 3:14pm

I was just talking about this with Jason the other day as my car is doing the same thing. The new temperature sensors can be junk straight out the box. I believe Jason might have an extra used original one. I just ordered one from him yesterday. 

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