The temp gauge stopped working properly on my Duster. It went from reading fine to a needle that moves just very little even though the enginge is warm. I installed a new sender, but the problem remains.

Any suggestions?

Oh, and the light to my speedometer is no more, and the light too the fuel is very weak. But these things started earlier, so I dont know if the problems could be related. Maybe it's just the light bulb to the speedometer that needs to be changed?


Robert

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1970 Plymouth Duster

Does your fuel gauge still work normally? Or is it broken, too?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

No, that one works well.

When I ground the wire coming of the temp sender the temp gauge rise slowly to max, though.

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1970 Plymouth Duster

Good test — under normal circumstances, if you ground the sender wire the temp gauge will rise quickly to max. It sounds like this temp gauge itself might be in need of replacement.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks Dan. Well, it took just few seconds at an even pace before it reached max. Shoud the needle reach max the second I ground it?

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1970 Plymouth Duster

This sounds to me like the gauge is working right. I suspect you might have a thermostat that has stuck open, or your water level is very low.



The light bulbs need replaced in your cluster and you can do this be reaching up to the back of the gauge cluster and removing the bulbs sockets on most models. There not easy to get to, but it can be done. The socket just twists into place with a 1/4 turn action.


Jess

Thanks Jess. The waterlevel is correct. I will check the termostat next then. Thanks for the info on the light bulb. it's tight under there, but I'll get to it

Edit: Could it be that the water level is too high by any chance?

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1970 Plymouth Duster

Oh. No, 2 seconds or so.

Do you have a spare gauge to try? Remember, these gauges are based on bimetallic strips, which can take a "set" and no longer put the gauge pointer where it should be at any given voltage input.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

alright, I took maybe 4-5 seconds. I dont have a spare unfortunatley. I'm not quite sure I understand the "set" part. The gauge might be working, but needs adjustment?

Have to leave home now, but I'll check in here first thing in the morning. Tahks again for all help.

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1970 Plymouth Duster

The bimetallic strip may have permanently changed shape over time, or "taken a set", and changed the range of values it can send.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Temp gauge didn't work in "Scampy" when I bought her. Neither did the fuel gauge. And you would be wrong if you suspected the voltage limiter, at least I was! The fuel level sending unit was shot, and the temp gauge's tin nuts were not making good contact with the printed circuit. Tightened the nuts a little, which scrubbed the contact area, and voila, temp gauge worked well again.

ALso, if somebody replaced the temp sending unit with one for an idiot light, that would yield a no read situation until he engine overheated.

Today I changed the thermostat and did some cleaning and painting while I was at it. Changed the hose and clamps to brand new, put everything back together. Water and antifreeze.. Well, the gauge works a little "better" in the sense that it now rise somewhat more. But still, it wont show the correct temp.

i think i had a bit too high water level before, cause I put some antifreeze in the raradiatorefore the winter. I now think a have the correct level though.

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1970 Plymouth Duster