88 temp gauge always runs cool

[hayesvegas]

i have an 88 pickup with recently rebuilt engine, 5k. i bought the truck right after the rebuild. everything runs great. the temp gauge always reads low, never more than a 1/4. the truck did get hot one time this summer, going over a mountain in 90+ degrees. at the time the radiator only had water in it.

since, i have flushed out the radiator which looked like muddy water. i have only had one problem with leaks, which was more than likely a clog in the hose from all the s*** that came out when i flushed it.

my question, is there a new sensor i need to put in to get a more accurate reading, look for broken wires? if it were thermostat it would always run hot would it not?

 

[arndog123]

I never trusted the stock gauge in my '86 mini so I installed an Autometer gauge.

 

[John Smith]

i have an 88 pickup with recently rebuilt engine, 5k. i bought the truck right after the rebuild. everything runs great. the temp gauge always reads low, never more than a 1/4. the truck did get hot one time this summer, going over a mountain in 90+ degrees. at the time the radiator only had water in it.

since, i have flushed out the radiator which looked like muddy water. i have only had one problem with leaks, which was more than likely a clog in the hose from all the s*** that came out when i flushed it.

my question, is there a new sensor i need to put in to get a more accurate reading, look for broken wires? if it were thermostat it would always run hot would it not?

If the thermostat has failed in the open position it will always run cool. BTDT, check the thermostat first.

 

[toy4xfun]

I never trusted the stock gauge in my '86 mini so I installed an Autometer gauge.

i have an autometer in my 84 also.