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Can You Adjust Temp Gauge

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mickeykelley, Dec 26, 2016.

  1. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    I recently installed a NOS speedo cluster and everything works fine. However, the temp needle always runs close to the hot side of the indicator. I'm saying like barely any background between the the needle and the H. I've checked the engine with a laser temperature and get right at 185 so it's not overheating. But it seems the needle should be lower.
     
    mickeykelley, Dec 26, 2016
    #1
  2. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have the opposite problem. Mine reads about 1/4 of the way up the scale (on the cold side) when the engine is operating at 180 degrees. My other Jeep reads tight in the middle at the same temp.
     
    1967 CJ5A, Dec 27, 2016
    #2
    Rich M. likes this.
  3. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Does the needle rest on the stop? Maybe you can tweak the needle? A new thermostat fixed mine. It always ran a little low, now it is right in the middle.
     
    Rick Whitson, Dec 27, 2016
    #3
  4. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    I've got an extra sending unit. After my trip, I'll have to try that. The needle does go to the home position when off. I was afraid the answer might be take it apart and bend the needle but not really wanting to go there. Hopefully new sending unit will work.
     
    mickeykelley, Dec 27, 2016
    #4
  5. Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I would try a different sender . most ones you buy at auto stores make stock gauges read wrong . so just changing them out with others just might work
     
    Twin2, Dec 27, 2016
    #5
  6. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Keep in mind that the clusters could be 6 volt or 12 volt depending on years. Some clusters have the voltage (and sometimes the date) printed inside on the back of the aluminum face, or even the back of the case.
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Dec 27, 2016
    #6
  7. Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Since the gauge works on resistance, I would think an adjustable resistor could be installed in line. Then could be dialed in to whatever you want the gauge to read. The availability of good used or nos parts are getting slim so disassembly and modifying would be my last resort.
     
    Oldriginal86, Dec 27, 2016
    #7
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  8. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Yes they're adjustable but you have to pull them out of the cluster to get at it. :cry:

    there's a small hole in the back where you can inset a small screwdriver to make the adjustment- maybe two depending on the vintage- one for range & one for center position.

    These were intended to be set up on a factory test bench using a set power source & calibrated resistances to set the needle where they're supposed to point, to do it yourself you'll need a 5 volt power source & resisters equivalent to the sender positions , at the very least, for 180 degrees.

    There's a pic showing the adjustment single hole slot here-

    Fuel gauge literally burned


    I'll be going through this myself sometime soon. :(



    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 27, 2016
    #8
  9. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Focker, Dec 27, 2016
    #9
  10. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Howard, is there a screw on the back of the temp sensor? I don't remember seeing it on my old cluster, but I'll check when home next.
     
    mickeykelley, Dec 27, 2016
    #10
  11. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Let's not confuse the sensor/sender & gauge- the gauge is adjustable, the sensor/sender is not.

    First thing you should do is disconnect the wire at the sender & with some clip leads connect it to ground through a 20 ohm resister- that should put the needle somewheres between the two lines. If that's where it ends up then you need a new sensor, if not you'll need to adjust the gauge which means removing it from the speedometer cluster & putting together a test setup as I mentioned above.

    The adjustment isn't a screw- it's the L shaped slot in the back of the gauge in the pics I referenced.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 27, 2016
    #11
  12. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    How did you calibrate the fuel gauge? By moving the slot in the rear of the gauge?
     
    Walt Couch, Dec 27, 2016
    #12
  13. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Yes
     
    Focker, Dec 27, 2016
    #13
  14. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Back from cabin for a week so decided to put the new sending unit I got from Walcks in and go for a test drive. Like magic, it solved the reading issue. Once warmed up, it stayed just above the mid point where it should. Now on to next thing.......
     
    mickeykelley, Feb 4, 2017
    #14