GL 1500 temperature gauge.

[vinny]

Hello,
I have a 1500 wing with an issue with the temperature gauge.
From cold to both fans cutting in, the temperature gauge only goes up 1/8 inch.
First thing, i ground out the wire from the sensor to earth, and the gauge went all the way up , so no issue with the gauge.
Just to be sure ,i fitted a new thermostat, again brought it up to temp and fans cut in and cycled as normal,
but the gauge still remained at cold.
Would i be correct to just replace the sensor on the thermostat housing ,as it is the only thing left to do.?

[Swagonmaster]

You could just accept what the gauge says as "normal" and look for unusual readings to indicate a problem since you have pretty much done the routine diagnosis. The manual says the sensor should read about 104 ohms at 140 degrees and 44 ohms at 185 degrees and 20 ohm at 230 so that would give you an idea of if it is defective enough to be worth replacing or not. If you really want to get scientific about it take the sensor , put it in a glass of water that completely covers the metal sensor and heat it in a microwave and use a glass thermometer to keep up with the water temp. That would give you an idea of what is wrong. Could be the gauge as well but again does it matter if you can be sure the cooling system is ok?

[DenverWinger]

I wouldn't put a metal temperature sender in the microwave, but you can put it in a pan of boiling water on your stove....

[Swagonmaster]

Years ago I worked for a guy that told me about the idea and I was really skeptical but believe it or not, it works quite well IF all of the metal is submerged. I do it routinely with coolant thermostats without a problem.

[vinny]

Thanks for all the replies,
I have ordered a new sensor, and will post the outcome when fitted.

[Rambozo]

Years ago I worked for a guy that told me about the idea and I was really skeptical but believe it or not, it works quite well IF all of the metal is submerged. I do it routinely with coolant thermostats without a problem.

Even a wet rag can do the job. Years ago I heard about using a microwave to heat bearings that have an interference fit. I finally had a chance to try it out a few months ago. Just wrap the bearing in a wet rag and microwave it. It worked a charm and no complaints from the microwave. Nice gentle heat, perfect for sealed bearings and those with plastic cages that don't like other methods of heating. As long as everything is wet it can't exceed 100°C