Hey, thanks for the help. I think I understand now. Theoretically, I think I've figured it out. I have a new temp sender on order, so we'll see if I do understand realistically when it gets here. I guess the only thing that's bothering me is that, as I previously mentioned, there appears to be a thermal switch where the temp sender should be. Given that the thermal switch should only activate when the coolant temp reaches 217 (or boiling), why is it showing hot now? I know there's coolant in it, I know the coolant is good, and I know that it's circulating. Could it just be that the switch is plugged in to the loom at the wrong place that's causing that?

Eric

'55 Fairlane Club Sedan

sqt0341,

Anything "could" be.  Part of the issue here is that it's very difficult for any of us to troubleshoot remotely and "blind".  All that I can do for the present is what's already been presented, for what information we have from you.  For good or bad, the actual hands-on trouble shooting is up to you.

As per the Manual test: have you tried (with key-off) to solidly "ground" the sensor wire to the engine block, then get into the car & momentarily turn-on the key to see if the TEMP gauge goes to below "cold".

Do this only long enough for it to get just to below "Cold", then turn the key back-off right away; otherwise, you WILL burn-out the gauge!

If it does go to below "cold", the gauge and wiring is probably O. K., per the maintenance manual.  If not, you either have a wiring issue, or a bad gauge.

Then, try a matched "sender", instead of the switch; and, let us know what the results are.  We may then be able to help better based on results.

Many of us will be more than happy to guide you along, as long as you provide specific questions dependent on what you "find".

Regards,   JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top

Great info. I just bought a 55 Ford with only one sending unit on the drivers side. Based on what I have been reading it sounds like some one put the wrong sensor in. The temp gage stays on hot. There is a spot under the distributor on the pass side but never used. If I have only one sensor and mine is wrong, what sensor do I need?

I got my temp gage to work . . .Loose wire