Intermitent Temp gauge...... HELP

[luvemfast]

While playing with the tuning of the carbies over the weekend. I noticed that the temp gauge would work, not work for a bit, then work for a while until it wouldn't work..... You get the picture.

Well, while driving near home the gauge stopped working. This was nothing new so I kept driving. BUT, when it worked again it was way too hot. I limped home and found a cracked hose from the back of the head into the firewall. Opened the radiator cap and found the top tank empty.

Totally scared that I cooked it. I fixed the hose and got about 3L of water in it.

So now it seems to be working fine again, PHEW... LUCKY.

 

Does anyone know how I can fix the temp gauge to work all the time?

I've cleaned the plug that goes onto the thermo couple on the thermostat. So why doesn't it work ALL the time?

While I'm at it, the oil temp isn't working either. Which wires are they?

Thanks in advance, Simon

[Riceburner]

If it's anything like a 240z temp sensor (brass sensor with metal threaded sleeve) you'll need to remove it and clean it up as the corrosion between stops them from working, Also if there's no water they don't sense air/steam 

 

So it'll work if there's water in it 

 

Baz from datsport said when replacing a head gasket run the engine with no water until 'spit sizzles' on the head then shut it off allow to cool then run with water in the system...... Don't think I'd be that game, you may have done this method by accident Simon 

[luvemfast]

If it's anything like a 240z temp sensor (brass sensor with metal threaded sleeve) you'll need to remove it and clean it up as the corrosion between stops them from working

I'll try that tonight, cheers Gareth