Replaced temp sensor...

[Pacco]

And the gauge doesn't work. The sensor that I removed was an old school looking setup. The wire leading to the back of my gauge is approx 14 gauge and is hollow. I replaced the fan switch thinking this could be the problem with the fan not kicking off and engine not reaching the proper running temp. Replaced the sensor with one from Advance Auto, not even close to the same look as the original one taken off the car. The original had a fitting that had a brass probe around 2 inches long with the hollow wire all in one piece leading to the gauge. The wire snapped and I replaced it with the sensor from Advance. What can go wrong next? Any ideas of where to go next? Thanks!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Pacco

The original had a fitting that had a brass probe around 2 inches long with the hollow wire all in one piece leading to the gauge.

A hollow wire? That's a new one on me. If I didn't know better I'd think it was a mechanical gauge that had a sensor that uses gas in the hollow line to the gauge. I guess there's no chance of that, right? You're sure it's an electrical gauge?

[chas427fe]

Sounds like a mechanical temperature guage.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by chas427fe

Sounds like a mechanical temperature guage.

Ya think? Pacco -- here's a shot of my mechanical temperature sensor on my manifold. Does your old one look kind of like this one?

[Maurice Johnson]

They worked like a barometer. A sealed in atmosphere expanded and operated a diaphragm in the guage, which moved the needle. You still see them sometimes on boilers.

[Pacco]

PatrickT, The line/hollow wire has a black rubber coating just like an electrical wire would have and is attached to the backside of the temp gauge. I am going to a shop on Tuesday to see what they say. The gauges are SW. I didn't build this car. I bought it a couple of years ago, so I am kind of blind on what it has. Where can you find the sensors for a mechanical gauge? Any other input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!!!!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Pacco

Where can you find the sensors for a mechanical gauge? Any other input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!!!!

That's a great question. I think though that you can't. You might be able to send your gauge back to the factory and have it repaired, but I don't think you can just replace the sender unit that is broken off (remember it had pressurized gas in the lines).

[MaSnaka]

Check with Stewart Warner. Tech Support line...915-593-1965 ext. 154 Or go to their website.

They should be able to send you in the right direction. Good luck.

John

[Pacco]

I googled and found that Speedway has the SW gauge that I need. What I thought was a wire is actually called a "capillary tube". So much for my eye sight. I'll have it here by Thursday and in by Friday if the creek don't rise. I'll keep you posted. Again, Thanks!