squarenose

I just want my OE temp. gauge to work right. I have replaced the theromostat, the radiator and the fan clutch. So I got two questions here they are.

Should I just go ahead and replace the water pump as well?

Do ya'll think the temp sending unit could be bad?

Thanks in advance

92roughstock

I'd suspect the sending unit before condemning the water pump.

WHat exactly are you seeing and having an issue with? If the needle swings between 2 lines on the gauge, it's the thermostat- many aftermarket ones will do that if the jiggle pins arent oriented at the 12 and 6 positions.

squarenose

Temp just sits at the 3rd line on the OE gauge. Thermo was replaced with a cummings brand.

jimbo486

well there's your problem. it's a cummings brand when it should be a genuine cummins part just giving you a hard time. does the temp ever drop when it gets warm to indicate the thermostat opening?

squarenose

Yea you can see it move just a hair and then its right back to the 3rd mark.
Just called the auto shop they want 98 bucks!!!!!!!! for a temp sending unit.

jimbo486

see what cummins can do for you. it's part of the motor, so i'd assume it could be found there. try a napa autoparts if you have one near you. they're usually pretty reasonably priced too.

squarenose

Thanks jim, You are right napa only wanted 68 bucks, still up there but better than 98!!!!!!

squarenose

Replaced the temp sensor. Temp still climbing to the 3rd mark and holding.

Any sugestions Ya'll

squarenose

Bump, Please!!

M1Lover

GET A MECHANICAL GAUGE! All the electrics in these trucks is garbage. I bet Dodge spent all of 37 cents per temp gauge unit from their supplier. Get a REAL gauge and KNOW what's going on before you spend any more $$. H.

NO_SPRK

did you bleed the air out of the cooling system?

squarenose

No, How do you do that.

NO_SPRK

that might be why its reading high. atleast mine did that.

i went to the hardware store and bought this set up. works good and never leaks. one reason i did it was my headgasket is leaking compression into my cooling system if i boost real hard so every few days id have to bleed some air out.

squarenose

And this is located where on the engine?

ppiggppenn

I was thinking about this thread today as I drove along the highway; my OEM gage has the third mark at the start of the middle section of the needle sweep, which is presumably the "normal" range. My needle runs to about a third into the normal range, then back to just a tad warmer than the third needle and stays there. I have the Cummins t-stat and I think it's working perfectly. From what I can see yours is too. On a hot day with AC on the needle will stray into the middle or high end of the normal sector at which point I flip on my electric rad fan and the needle slowly drops to its usual position. There may be different gage faces tho, in which case I could be all wet here. ..