Calibrating Water Temp Gauge on a '30?

[CarNucopia]

The coolant temperature gauge on my '30 consistantly reads about 15-20 degrees higher then the actual temperature. Is there a way to adjust/calibrate the gauge so it reads more accurately?

 

[ply33]

First, check to see with a trusted gauge or thermometer if the area around the sensor is actually as cool as you think. There may be restrictions or clogging in the water passages in that part of the block or head.

 

Assuming your issue is only a gauge calibration problem and you have a "mechanical" unit, sometimes you can adjust the dash unit by carefully bending the linkage between the Bourdon tube and the needle. That is a very delicate operation, so be careful. Or better yet, send the whole unit off to an experienced instrument repair shop.

[CarNucopia]

I'm checking the temp at the radiator with a digital thermometer which I know is accurate. The car was restored and the gauges were refurbished. I guess I need to find the reciept for that work and call the folks that did it.

[billorn]

Or maybe leave it alone? If you know how much its off by then does it really matter? How many times have we seen something that works but not quite good enough and we mess with it and make it worse. If it was mine I would be happy that it worked and just live with it being a little off. Just my thoughts.

[37_Roadmaster_C]

It is very possible that the coolant in the block/head IS 15-20 degrees higher than the radiator.  The gauge may be more accurate than you think.