Gauge Coolant Temp Sensor/Sender HELP

[mistaake]

Hi everybody
The temp gauge on my recently acquired 1983 C20 with 350 V8 has never worked since I got it. We found the sensor on the block but no wire near it. What color should it be?

Also, it seems that there are two temp sensors, just like in the newer trucks - on near the thermostat for the computer or something, and one in the block between cylinder #1 and #3 for the gauge.

Is this the correct one for the gauge?
http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-213-4...1--8-2-141--6-0&sr=1-2&ymm=1983:chevrolet:c20

This is the similar style from O'Reilly, they also have two kinds... one with a connector (seems to be the one near the t-state) and one with a tab (the one i want)
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...2&keyword=coolant+temperature+sensor!s!sender

On ours not only is there no wire for it but the little tab is broken off.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

The wire is dark green.

 

[mistaake]

The wire is dark green.

Yeah, there was some burnt corroded broken green wire floating around in there; must have been that one!

Where does the other end go? Into the gauge cluster area?

Thanks!

 

[PrairieDrifter]

It should run to the main harness with the alternator wires that goes somewhat down the drivers side of the block

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Yeah, there was some burnt corroded broken green wire floating around in there; must have been that one!

Where does the other end go? Into the gauge cluster area?

Thanks!

Yes, to the cluster.

 

[mistaake]

Thanks - is this the correct part?

http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-213-4...-2&ymm=1983:chevrolet:c20&tag=viglink24017-20

 

[MadOgre]

It would appear so

 

[mistaake]

Ordered. Will report back whether it worked or not. Besides the gauge and the sensor and the wire between them is there anything else that could cause it not to work?

 

[mistaake]

Right now I have a stock looking AC Delco 7PSI radiator cap, but everything online says I should have a 15PSI or even a 16PSI cap. I would like to buy a new radiator cap but don't want to get the wrong one. Should I buy a 7 or a 15 or a 16? Also, could a wrong/failed radiator cap causing problems with the cooling system like air bubbles and overheating?
Thank you!

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Usually bubbles are failed head gasket and you need a 15 psi radiator cap

 

[mistaake]

Usually bubbles are failed head gasket and you need a 15 psi radiator cap

Then... why there is a 7 on there? :'(

Both Amazon and Rockauto list 16psi parts. I'm thinking just to order one of those...

 

[ScottyB]

Prev owner may have noticed cooling system wasn't holding pressure and went with a lighter cap. Not uncommon with an older radiator that needs to be re-cored. It is a way to cheat a coolant leak. Not a good way but it is done.