temp gauge "sways"?

[AxtellZ]

Hi all,

Well, after flushing the radiator and all, the car seems fine. No sign of headgasket failure i feared when my coolant was bubbly/foamy.

However, driving to work today, the temp gauge stayed right at 180 most of the time, but on occasion would "sway" from 150 or 160 back to 180. Doesn't jump around, but does move considerably (maybe 1/4"?).

I assume the thermostat is opening & "colder" coolant then flows through causing lower temps. But then the oil pressure gauge kinda sways around too. Mostly at 60psi, but does move around more than ever before.

So, am i just being paranoid & noticing more because my eyes are glued to the gauges, or should i chase down the electrical demons (i did have the fuel gauge & clock this winter- maybe loose connections?)

Any hints? Thanks! Jeremiah

[2ManyZs]

Sorry, but it sounds like you have an electrical "gremlin" in there. If it is affecting the oil pressure and the temp gauge it's probably a ground problem. The temp gauge moving is probably the thermostat opening as you think, but the oil pressure being affected make me think it may be electrical, check out the ground on that side of the wiring harness.

[AxtellZ]

Yep, that's about what i've figured...One of my "projects" is to disconnect, clean, tighten and reconnect all the electrical contact points. Someday, when work lightens up:)

[Daniel]

Do they both increase and decrease at the same time while your driving is constant?If so, it is the contact in the gauge.The temp and oil pressure share one. The fuel has its own.The Amp has none.The fix is replace the gauge pack or get some jeweler screwdrivers,take the face off the gauge and try to polish the contacts,Very fragile,Very nonforgiving as they say. Have fun!! Daniel