Temperature guage

[NickandNeil]

I have a water temerature guage that i think came off a Ford Cortina.  I have purchased two different senders but both read full all the while.  Is there any way of working out what the correct sender would be?

[MarkBzero]

You need a sensor with the same resistance as the original sensor in the Cortina. From memory they had two types white and yellow collars.

It's all about matching the ohms.

What engine do you have?

Edited May 12, 2020 by MarkBzero
Forgot to mention ohms.

[fry61]

Could try putting more resistance in series with the present set-up.  Try adding a low wattage lamp cut into the sender wire between sensor & gauge.

May indicate which way you need to go with sensor resistance, if the gauge shows less than FSD with this temporary rig; sensor value is too low.  

This is not a permanent fix, as its a variable resistance required. 

Edited May 12, 2020 by fry61
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[phaeton]

https://www.spiyda.com/fuel-gauge-wizard-mk3.html Is an option for you if you can't find the right gauge/sender

[NickandNeil]

The engine is a Ford Pinto 1993cc from 1984

[phaeton]

if it's showing HOT with both sensors are you sure the gauge is good & not faulty? You can test the sensors if you have a multimeter

[NickandNeil]

On 5/13/2020 at 11:36 AM, phaeton said:

if it's showing HOT with both sensors are you sure the gauge is good & not faulty? You can test the sensors if you have a multimeter

Ok will try that

[phaeton]

Without trying to teach you to suck eggs, connect your multimeter across the terminal & the main body, then with a pan of hot water slowly lower the sender into the water try to keep one of the leads does not go into the water, as the sensor warms up the resistance on the multimeter should change. Use extra fly leads if necessary