Odd temp gauge behavior
 

The temp gauge of my '86 N/A has lately begun to sit on full cold until the engine is fully warm, and then the needle snaps into place. My experience as an Italian car tech has been that problems generally lie with the sender rather than the gauge, but this really is an odd failure mode. Cooling system is full, bled, and functioning properly, so it's not like the sender is sitting in air until the thermostat opens. I did just have the instrument cluster out to install those silly rings on the gauge faces, but it all went back together without any problems, so I'm assuming that's just coincidental. Anyone had a similar experience?

How long after you had the gage cluster out did you notice the temp problem? When I had mine apart I used electrical contact cleaner on the three large connections and made sure they were seated all the way. Electrical Gremlins hide all over the place. Yours started after the gage removal and re-installation. Have you checked the wire connection on the temp sensor on the engine? The BROWN Ground wires have to make good contacts. You'll see us mention all the time about make sure the grounds are cleaned.

Chers,
Larry

Denial is a powerful thing. Of course it was the connectors. I just hate having to do a job twice. Pulled the cluster out, put DeOxit on the connectors, and did the "loosen the instrument nuts" routine from Clark's. The gauge now works perfectly. I had hoped it might also cure the oil pressure needle of it's waggle at idle, but no luck. Thanks for the reality check, and Happy Thanksgiving!

If you mean a "bouncey" jumpy needle, I replaced my oil pressure sender ('87)and it cured the oil pressure guage idle needle bounce.

On the other hand, if a new oil pressure sender is not the cause, time to think about rod bearings if your mileage is over 125K

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S 60K + 1987 924S 113K

New sender is on the way, and I'm sure it'll cure it. While the car has 154K on the clock, it has been so meticulously cared for that I am sure the engine internals are fine.