M51a2 idle temperature.

[Tototex]

Anyone know what the idle temperature should be on these trucks.

I am having a hard time telling if my temp senser is working. When my truck is running the needle vibrates back and forth pretty hard and its hard to tell if it ever leaves its idle location which is around 120 degrees.

If I pull the plug off the senser, what kind of voltage should I be reading with a multimeter?

Thanks guys,
Jason

 

[pjwest03]

Have a look here for some tips. Lots of good info.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?31977-Deuce-overheating-help

I would double check with an IR thermometer aimed near the sender and check a freeze plug on the side of the block.

You can check the sender by resistance.

TEMP (F) SENDER RESISTANCE (ohms)
120 2360
160 1220
180 917

My experience with any of the older trucks is that you have to drive them a bit to get the needle to move much. They have to work a bit in order to heat up significantly. The gauges tend to be OK. The wiring and occasionally the senders seems to be the candidates if things are not working.