1986 c10 454/700R4 conversion. Water temp sensor help. Pic's inside

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Nasty-LSX

TogetherforeverCovid19
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Posts
1,389
Reaction score
1,723
Location
HOUSTON TX
First Name
Mi Hung Lo
Truck Year
85/86/87
Truck Model
c10/k10/k20
Engine Size
LSX
I wanted to build a c10 long bed for my 18FT car hauler. and as a general mule truck. I have everything
working like it should in this truck. Yes, its a tire smoker from hell. The only reason I used a BIG BLOCK
was because it was a 1999 VORTEC. I have had REAL good luck with the SB and BB VORTEC'S. Fun motors
when you convert to carb. Anyway. I cannot find the right water temp sensor to work with with my factory gauges.
For now Im using my autometer gauge, but want to use the dash gauge. Am I missing something here? I ordered
a 1986 water temp sensor and it did not work. The gauge worked when the SB was removed so I know the gauge
is not bad!! Whats next?
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
 

Nasty-LSX

TogetherforeverCovid19
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Posts
1,389
Reaction score
1,723
Location
HOUSTON TX
First Name
Mi Hung Lo
Truck Year
85/86/87
Truck Model
c10/k10/k20
Engine Size
LSX
Im not converting it to a shortbed. It will stay a long bed.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
 
Last edited:

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,311
Reaction score
27,929
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
Did you possibly get a temp switch and not a temp sender? Even if you ordered it correctly, it could be boxed wrong or an incorrect listing.
 

Rustisbest

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Posts
169
Reaction score
443
Location
Athens, TN
First Name
Matt
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
377
3/8 NPT threads? I used Standard part # TS76 when I put the crate engine in.
 

Nasty-LSX

TogetherforeverCovid19
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Posts
1,389
Reaction score
1,723
Location
HOUSTON TX
First Name
Mi Hung Lo
Truck Year
85/86/87
Truck Model
c10/k10/k20
Engine Size
LSX
Yup, this is a hard one. Rust and Bucket, The problem now is the SB was pulled and sold.
So I cant go back and get the original temp sensor. Second problem is The BB temp sensor
size is much bigger. So I'm thinking I need to find out what the gauge ohm's are and try to
match that to a new one for the BB. Thats the only way i think I can find the right temp sensor.
 

Snoots

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Posts
8,665
Reaction score
17,764
Location
Georgia
First Name
Roger
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
Jimmy Sierra
Engine Size
350 w/203
For Truck Years: 1967 - 1973

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 350 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 76 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 51 Ohms

For Truck Years: 1974 - 1978

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 350 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 68 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 46 Ohms

For Truck Years: 1979 - 1990

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 1,365 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 96 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 55 Ohms

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Nasty-LSX

TogetherforeverCovid19
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Posts
1,389
Reaction score
1,723
Location
HOUSTON TX
First Name
Mi Hung Lo
Truck Year
85/86/87
Truck Model
c10/k10/k20
Engine Size
LSX
Did you possibly get a temp switch and not a temp sender? Even if you ordered it correctly, it could be boxed wrong or an incorrect listing.
Are you talking about the sensor in the picture? That sensor is for my Autometer gauge im using to keep
an eye on the temps till I get the right sensor for the factory gauge. Going to try part # rustisbest mentioned.
 

Nasty-LSX

TogetherforeverCovid19
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Posts
1,389
Reaction score
1,723
Location
HOUSTON TX
First Name
Mi Hung Lo
Truck Year
85/86/87
Truck Model
c10/k10/k20
Engine Size
LSX
For Truck Years: 1967 - 1973

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 350 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 76 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 51 Ohms

For Truck Years: 1974 - 1978

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 350 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 68 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 46 Ohms

For Truck Years: 1979 - 1990

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 1,365 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 96 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 55 Ohms

You must be registered for see images attach
Thanks man!!
 

Johnny Atomic

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2019
Posts
64
Reaction score
145
Location
Little Rock AR
First Name
Johnny
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
Sierra Classic 1500
Engine Size
350
For Truck Years: 1979 - 1990

The Temp Gauge Needle Should Point to:
Left Line (Cold) when sender resistance = 1,365 Ohms
Middle Line when sender resistance = 96 Ohms
Right Line (Hot) when sender resistance = 55 Ohms

You must be registered for see images attach
Do you know what the part number is for the temp sensor for my 1983 305 small block with temp guage? Has the single wire with the nail head connector.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
43,953
Posts
946,413
Members
36,003
Latest member
Truck82
Top