Water temp gauge, add an aftermerket gauge? 91 PU 4 cyl

[wlm9751]

My factory temp gauge on my 91 PU w/ 4cyl motor indicate it is running hotter than norm. I suspect the factory gauge is bad. I replaced the fan clutch and thermostat, temp sensor, flushed the coolant. It does not appear top be running hot, it doesnt ping, boil, or smell hot, just the gauge saying so. I want to add an aftermarket water temp gauge to be sure. Can I tie into the exsisting wires fron the factory sensor and have both in operation? I perfer not to eliminate the facory gauge because I am sure the computer needs its info to function properly. Can anyone help?

[RT22]

Most aftermarket gauges use their own sending unit, factory would probably not send the exact signal aftermarket one would need. Try a gauge out of a junk yard, if it is just the gauge maybe that will do it.

[wlm9751]

Thanks for the sugestion. I had thought about that, but you never know just what you are getting with junkyard electrical parts on a vehicle that old. I may have to do that, but the thought of going into two dashes for a maybe good part could be discouraging. I may have to do it anyway.

[RT22]

getting gauges out of hardbody takes 2 minutes a phillips screw driver. Most junkyards will warranty it for replacement parts no cash back. Take the truck to junkyard and remove yours and then just plug up the used one to test before leaving. if it is bad go back and snatch another if they have more than one.

[wlm9751]

Thanks. I looked at my dash yesterday evening, and it does look like it may be an easy swap. Dash work in most cars is a major pain, but this looks simple.. I just hope my problem IS the gauge.

[RT22]

5 screws to remove black bezzel and I am almost positive 4 to remove cluster. then just unplug. pretty easy 2 minutes tops after doing it one time. remember if you swap check all the lights (they just pop in) before reinstalling. If some are blown just take the ones out of your cluster.

[wlm9751]

Thanks, I do have a bad bulb, too. I just hope the gauge is the problem with my truck.

[RT22]

Post and let us know how it comes out

[wlm9751]

It will be a little while. I have a handicap, and can not always get around well. Thanks for the info.

[RT22]

No problem just saw in your profile we are almost neighbors LOL montgomery here.

[wlm9751]

Yep, neighbors! I do appreciate the advice, too. My truck is a really nice example of a clean hardbody. Runs good, good interior, well maintained, cold air, 2 owners, I bought it in 2000 from the orig owner, now just shy of 300,000 mi. Expected to go many more miles. I drive it all over the country, to Colorado and back twice, to the east coast, into Penn, to Tx many times, and Mo often. I checked the compression a month ago, all 4 cyl were between 110 lbs and 118 lbs, not bad for 300k and 18 yrs! I tell my wife if I could buy another like it, I would be set for life ! Thanks for the help.

[RT22]

Mine is second owner got it in Bham from original with 139k now has 169k. Mine is clean also great interior after replacing the busted AC vents and every last thing on it works and real cold AC. This is my second hardbody and 5th nissan. had a couple of maximas and a 300zx twinturbo. Yeah hearing folks here talk about 300k I am loving mine even more hehe. Body on mine has pretty shine for 18 yr old but has a few dings scratches and 3 or 4 minor dents or big dings. I am hoping to repaint it soon. That is the last thing it needs, as i have done a lot of the little stuff myself.

[wlm9751]

The guys at the dealer tell me that a parts store here has one with over 900k on it and still is delivering parts. Also, a friend tells me of one with over 1mil on it and still going, but dont know any details on if the motor is orig. Mine has needed the distributor replaced twice(very expensive) because the crank angle sensor went bad in it, and is not serviced seperatly.

If you only have 170k, then yours is barely broken in.