2000 Temp gauge fluttering???

[thetoyotaman]

I’m starting to notice my temperature gauge suddenly turning it off and back on like a flickering light. It started slowly. It’s starting to do it a little bit more. Coolant seems to be full and no leaks. Wondering if the temp sensor unit is going bad and if this is not an uncommon issue as these vehicle age.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Update: I decided to go ahead and replace the gauge sending unit and in the process a vacuum fitting broke off the air muffler box and the connector to the sending unit also broke. Some days repairs go better than other days with these old cars.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I ordered the housing connector thanks to @FamilyCamper on mud. 9098011428. Crazy it came off fine but when I went to plug it in there was nothing there to grab the spline and line up. Wondering if it was already damaged and that was my problem. Sensor was even a different color.

Trying to decide what to do with the broken vacuum port. I don't have any experience fixing something like this. Is there a type of epoxy to use or what would Mud recommend?

 

[thetoyotaman]

Would JB Weld be better?

 

[FamilyCamper]

Would JB Weld be better?

I would attempt a JB weld fix and then depending on how that goes see about sourcing another unit altogether if you can find a good price on one.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Found a 8mm barb fitting with 8x1.25 threads. Tapped the box and used some petroleum jelly on the tap to catch the shavings. I wish there was more plastic to work with here, but it is what it is. Used some black FIPG to seal it and barely tightened it past hand tight as I think the plastic is probably brittle all over at this age.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I drove it a couple of times tonight andI tell you what it feels like the truck is more peppy. I really can’t believe it. Maybe that thing’s been cracked causing a vacuum leak and leaking for some time and it finally let go.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Nice job on the fix!