temperature gauge dead

[Thunderbox1000]

The temperature gauge is of the non working variety. Is there a likely cause or a way of testing? Where does it link to the engine?
Many thanks
Al

[piman]

Hello Al,

after reading your query about your fuel gauge, this does give a clue. The fuel gauge and temperature gauge is supplied by a voltage regulator which in turn is fed from an ignition controlled fuse. The same trick as with the fuel gauge, earth the sender wire should give full temperature or fuel level. However if both gauges show cold or empty, check the fuse initially but as this feeds many other items you would notice that virtually nothing works, e.g. oil pressure, indicators etc.

Do you have a meter to check for voltage? The regulator, a small rectangular metal clad device is fitted behind the instrument panel and should be bolted to a good earth.

Alec

[Thunderbox1000]

Alec
Thanks for that yes I will go into this at the weekend. The fuses by the exhaust manifolds are a ok, how do I access the voltage regulator behind the instrument panel? Other gauges work ok it's just fuel and temperature. If you know anyone who wants the 1963 mk2 with a 4.2 engine as a running restoration let me know. Mot tax and wires new headlining offers over £7k.
Cheers
Al

[piman]

Hello Al,

remove the two bakelite headed screws and the panel folds down.

Alec

[sweller]

If the voltage regulator is defective it will lead to odd readings as the supply needs to be consistent.

The wiring may show up as OK with the earthing test but if the voltage regulator is playing up then the readings will be a bit odd.

[Thunderbox1000]

OK.... sender unit wires were dodgy at the spade ends so gauge now works, sorry to be thick on this but where is the temperature sensor take-off on the engine? I have closed the bonnet for the day having had a bit of a day of it (see posts re brakes and exhaust)
Al

[piman]

Hello Al,

the temperature sender, is on the inlet manifold water section, there is the otter switch for the enrichening device (three screw attachment) and a screw in sender for the gauge, the wire to it is green\blue. As with the fuel gauge, short that wire to the block should give a full hot reading on the gauge if all is well.

Alec

[Thunderbox1000]

Thanks mate I will investigate this and let you know.