Installing an aftermarket temp gauge

[extortion00]

Since my 89 does not have a temperature gauge on the dash how do i go about buying a aftermarket one and installing it?

[zoomie]

build or buy a guage pod, run the copper tubing out to where the factory sending unit is, replace factory sending unit with one that usually comes with the guage. sunpro has instructions on adding the guage and most gauges also have a instruction manual with them as well. gauges come in electrical and mechanical varients.

[extortion00]

Finally got my gauge and everything looks good... but having a issue finding a way to run the wire from the inside to the outside lol any tips?

[sly]

I usually poke it through the huge grommet around the bunch of wires near the driver side fender on the firewall and then goop ultra-black on it to seal it back up.

[extortion00]

sounds good! last question.. any ideas where to install the light wires. obviously somewhere that won't be powered on all day

[lincolnlarry]

I think it is light blue/red for the instrument panel lights. Should be easy to find coming out of the fuse box.

[sly]

I used the dimmer line going to the instrument cluster... but then I had the dash half torn up at the time and that made it easy to find all the right wires.

[extortion00]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIv5W-bTF7Yinstalled temp gauge today! everything looked good no leaking and engine temps stayed around 190-200 but once i got home from test driving it i get this problem... any ideas would be appreciated i got it to start i couple of times by playing with the battery and even reinstalled the old temp gauge thinking that was the issue... nope now i have a no start and the engine does not turn over only makes this noise!

[87gtVIC]

Sounds like your starter bendix is missing the flexplate. Just a coincidence, nothing your gauge could have caused.

[extortion00]

pulled the starter off here are a few pictures so i take it i will need a new starter? how does the flywheel look? i am a little worried i might have caused some damage because i kept trying to start it

[sly]

flywheel looks a little chewed, but it's fine. There's not much damage at all. I've seen ones with 1/3 of the teeth missing (as in the tooth chewed through that for, not a third of the teeth missing) and still work fine. Yes, new starter time it is.

get the starter for a 91 vic/mgm. It'll be the mini starter. They use less power to start than the direct drive ones. They are also sealed and will not have issues with oil leaks (what killed the starter on my 88).

[extortion00]

that makes me feel a little better lol

[extortion00]

great advice!!! thank you.. should i get some brake cleaner and also spray the flywheel to clean it up some or leave it alone? ohh and will the 91 bolt up exactly the same as the oem part for the 88? again thank you

[sly]

the 91 will bolt up exactly the same... that's why I used it on my 88. You shoulnd't need to use any chemicals on the flywheel. Just use a rag and wipe off any chunks. beware of metal splinters when wiping though.

[extortion00]

You're one of the greatest on this forum.. just saying i appreciate your help and this forums help otherwise i would have no clue of what the hell to do