Temp gauge problems

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I need help!!! When I start my engine, for the first time, my temp gauge becomes irratic and I don't know what my engine temp is. After a few miles, the gauge settles down and seems to read ok. Could this be my sending unit, or the gauge itself. I had the thermostat replaced last year, and it just does not act like that is the problem. If it is the sending unit, what does one cost?

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Randy Richmond, 98. 5 24 valve, 2500, 5 speed, 4x4, 3. 54, LB, QC, Van Aaken CPC, PacBrake, Walker flowthru muffler, Amsoil, running boards, Leer Shell, Metalic Red.

 

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If the temp. is going higher than you think it should then leveling out, the thermostat may be at fault again. The original thermostats have a problem with a rubber cap coming loose on the valve part of the thermostat and blocking the water flow when the thermostat opens. BG

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Ranco 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, aluminum tool box, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank not mounted yet.

 

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Sounds like you have bad electrical connection to me. First place to look is on the sender,clean it up and put some anticorrosion goop on it.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 06-25-2000). ]

 

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illflem, where is the sending unit?

 

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Randy the sending unit for the tempature gauge is located on the rear side of head drivers side. About 4 to 6 inches behind the fuel filter or last electrical part on the head. That where is located on 12 valves, but it seems to me that's where I saw it on my Freightliners 24 valve engine.

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Missouri Mule 96 White 4X4 ST club cab,(grey int. ),5 spd, 3. 54 reg dif, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards, front and side of bed,Pofile V bug shield,
99 Freight liner FL60 blue Cummins 24v 215 hp, 520 torgue,6 spd 3. 59 no spin rear, 16 ft dry box (white) 19. 5 low profile tires,Weight 11,000, gvw 23000, 11 to 12 mpg
Bill Thomas (Wild Bill)

 

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The sending unit is at the front of engine on the left side near the thermostat housing/outlet radiator hose. It has a two wire connector plugged into it, one is black with light blue stripe, the other is tan with black stripe. The tan/black wire is the sending wire, the other is ground. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Ranco 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, aluminum tool box, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank not mounted yet.

 

[Archive]

Thanks for the help guys. I guess I'll start with checking the connections, then if that doesn't fix it, the I'll replace the thermostat again. I hope it's not the sending unit. If it turns out to be the sending unit, what do they cost? Thanks.

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Randy Richmond, 98. 5 24 valve, 2500, 5 speed, 4x4, 3. 54, LB, QC, Van Aaken CPC, PacBrake, Walker flowthru muffler, Amsoil, running boards, Leer Shell, Metalic Red.