Temp guage not working??

[coaltownkid]

Howdy there guys!

So my temp guage is not working,...or could it be the??? I'll let you give me the diagnosis as per your knowledge. it always reads on the lower end, and NEVER moves,....so I'd like to just see where I should start with diagnosing this. Thanks in advance.

Jason

[coaltownkid]

hmmm,....i'm guessing its a simple fix and I just asked a dumb question!!?? HA!

J.

[Gene Brink]

What year? If a mechanical gauge I'd check the back of the head to be certain someone did not pull it out and plug the hole after having the head off for some reason. Bought a '55 Century 30 years ago and thought it was running way too cool until I checked and found that was the reason. (I always figured the machine shop that cut the valves had no experience with older Buicks and did not know any better.)

Good luck!

[RocketDude]

Yes, the year matters, so we know if it's an electrical gauge, or the old bourbon tube gauge. If it's mechanical, and it quit working, you are going to have to buy a new gauge, as they are all one piece from the gauge to the engine. The tube has heat sensitive alcohol in the tube to register temp. If it develops a leak, it's done for.
If it's electrical, you need to trace it down. Make sure you have voltage to the gauge. Unplug the wire from the sending unit in the engine, and ground it. If it pegs the gauge, replace the sending unit. If nothing changes, you have a bad gauge. More than likely, it will turn out to be the sending unit.

[imported_Guffin]

If it is the old type, there will be a small container screwed into the engine block. From this container goes a narrow tube to the gauge on the dash. In the container is a liquid with low boiling point, often ether. When the liquid boils the pressure inside the container rises. This pressure activates the gauge. If there is a leakage in the system it will not work
You have to take out the gauge, the tube and the container and have it repaired.
Jan

[imported_Guffin]

If it is the old type, there will be a small container screwed into the engine block. From this container goes a narrow tube to the gauge on the dash. In the container is a liquid with low boiling point, often ether. When the liquid boils the pressure inside the container rises. This pressure activates the gauge. If there is a leakage the system will not work
You have to take out the gauge, the tube and the container and have it repaired.
Jan

[coaltownkid]

Quote:

What year? If a mechanical gauge I'd check the back of the head to be certain someone did not pull it out and plug the hole after having the head off for some reason. Bought a '55 Century 30 years ago and thought it was running way too cool until I checked and found that was the reason. (I always figured the machine shop that cut the valves had no experience with older Buicks and did not know any better.)

Good luck!

Very sorry guys,...i missed the obvious,...its a "1953" Buick Super with 322 nailhead. Electric guage by '53 right? I've been busy lately and haven't had time to go out and take a second look again,....
Thanks
Jason

[Gene Brink]

Still mechanical, Jason. Check to see if it is installed in the back of the driver side head (if memory is correct that is). Bulb followed by small copper tube that attaches to the gauge. Should be a nut fitted on the line that will tighten against the bulb holding it in place as well as sealing things off (do not over tighten if you put it back as you can rip the bulb open.

Good luck.

[coaltownkid]

Gene-
I'll get on that tomorrow if it doesn't rain that is!!?? thanks
Jason

[coaltownkid]

well the temp gauge it secure on both ends and still doesn't work! can it be repaired? if so where the heck can you take something like that? is it worth it? would i be better off ordering a rebuilt/new one from bobs automobilia?? thanks
Jason

[Roadhog]

Kid, You might find a used one in decent shape <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />but place the bulb in a pan of water and bring it to a boil on the stove to make sure it works before you install it! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> If you don't want the hassle of getting a bad used one and trying to return it(a lot of antique used parts suppliers won't guarantee these parts) then get a rebuilt one from Bobs'! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[critterpainter]

Bobs Automobilia has rebuilt temp guages, or can get yours rebuilt. not cheap, bit lots cheaper than cooking your engine.

bill