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Temperature Sending Unit (For gauge) Please help!


SolidSnake84

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Hey folks:

Working on a 1988 Ford F150 with the 4.9 6 cylinder. Few days ago the gauge stopped working correctly. The needle sets all the way to the far left, but when it warms up, it goes up to the first line where it says "C". Want to try replacing the temperature sending unit for the gauge, before replacing the gauge.

I know roughly where that sender is located, but need clarification on just how to get it out. I've heard many different explanations, and want to know what is the best and easiest way to go.

I've been told that #1, you have to pull the engine to get to the sender, because of its location, unless you know someone that has really long arms, since the location of the sender means you cannot get to it from the top, or bottom.

Some have said that you can pull the upper intake to be able to reach it. This all seems like excessive work and i am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks!
 


RonD

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Temp sender for the dash board gauge will be on the passenger side of engine toward the rear under the manifold.
You can get to it from underneath even if it's a 4x4.

This is a ONE WIRE sender, it uses the engine as the Ground for the circuit so don't "tape" the threads at the bottom when installing new sender.

To test if it is the sender or the wire/gauge that is the problem.

Remove the wire from the Sender
Turn on the key
Gauge should be below "C" or go to above "H", either is OK
Now use a jumper wire from the Sender wire to a Ground, so short that wire to Ground.
If key is on, gauge should now do the opposite of above, either go all the way up to "H" or all the way down to "C"
If this happens the wire and gauge are good, replace sender.

If it doesn't then you have a wire or gauge problem.

You should drain the coolant before removing sender as it is well below full coolant level, some coolant will still come out so just a heads up to stay out of the way as best you can :)

Found a picture of what you are looking for here: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1011512-water-temp-gauge.html

And just as a note, since gauge is moving, could the thermostat be stuck open?
So engine can not warm up.
 
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