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

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Nasty-LSX

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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?
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Nasty-LSX

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Im not converting it to a shortbed. It will stay a long bed.

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bucket

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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

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3/8 NPT threads? I used Standard part # TS76 when I put the crate engine in.
 

Nasty-LSX

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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

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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

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Nasty-LSX

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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

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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

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Thanks man!!
 

Johnny Atomic

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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

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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.
 

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