temperature gauge question??

[Kurt Combs]

My temp gauge originally would not work at all. I have replaced the sending unit and then the wire from the sending unit to the dash cluster. The temperature gauge now registers very low. After running for fifteen to twenty minutes, just idling, the needle just gets to the bottom of the acceptable range (continuous band on the gauge). I am running a 180 degree thermostat and would be glad to replace it with a 195 if it will help bring the temperature up where I would be comforlable, the middle of the recommended range. Or do I have a bad temp gauge?

Any help would be appreciated.

Kurt

[71 LONG BED]

My gauge reads the same. Maybe one needle length past the bottom of the acceptable range. I also have 180 deg. stat. I just use my gauge as a reference. I don't really trust that it is telling me the exact temp. From what I see others write, the factory gauges leave a lot to be desired.

[heep70]

Mine also reads the same with a 180.

[Crazy_B]

When I had mine hooked up with a 180 deg. stat. it registered about middle way of the acceptable range. But I don't trust electronic guages so I got a set of aftermarket gauges from Harbor Freight. I'm very happy with them, if I could I would get rid of the electric feul guage and have a manual one. Anyways, if you think your fuel guage might also be inaccurate you might adjust the Instrument Voltage Regulator on the backside of the panel. there is a little set screw on it and you just have to turn it a little bit at a time until you get where you think you want it. But it will also affect the fuel gauge to so if your fuel gauge is accurate then I'm not sure I would do it. Just my opinion