I've got a 1988 GTA, 350 TPI, analog guages. I've been wondering what temperature the 'tic mark' 1/4 up the guage is supposed to be. Anyone know?

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Jon
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1988 Trans-Am GTA w/ L98, Futura GSX tires, and a rusted-out no-name cat-back
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Mods: TB coolant bypass...more on the way!

 

Ok on my guage it starts at 100 the one in between which is not marked but its about 160-165 then its 220 then another non marked about 240 then the next is 260.

 

The temperature sensor is a thermistor, which has a logrithmic temperature vs. resistance curve, so the unlabeled marks are not the difference between the labeled marks divided by 2. The temperature I have observed at the ECM sensor, that coresponds to the first unlabeled mark between 100 & 220 is around 187 F. If you wanted an exact value for the marks, you could use a variable resistor to determine the resistance required to position the gauge at those marks, and then match those resistance values to the calibration values given in the shop manual for the temperature sensor.

Tim

 

To supplement Tim's info, the temp gauge sender and coolant temp sensor (used by the ECM) are located at different locations. The gauge sender is located in the cylinder head between the #1 and #3 cylinders. The temp sensor is located at the front of the intake manifold. This means there will be a slight difference in coolant temperatures between the two locations. Because of this, the ECM and temp gauge will not necessarily be reading the same temperature at the same time (albeit close).

Willie

 

Thanks for the replies! That's a good idea, Willie, but I think I'll just take Tim's word for it.