Temp gauge woes

[DaneBisel]

I recently rewired my 69 sport satellite. I used all m&h harnesses and upgraded to 1970 ignition. Bought a new circuitboard that has an internal voltage regulator. The issue I am having is the temp gauge doesn't work. EVERY other gauge, light, indicator, etc work (including fuel.). I replaced the sender when I did the wiring just because I figured it was a good time to do so. My question is: is it common for these gauges to go bad? All other gauges from the original cluster work. I am not getting any movement from the needle. I have a mechanical gauge that works so I know there isn't an air pocket. Any recommendations before I tear the dash back apart? Thank you for your time and consideration

 

[furyus]

Teflon tape on the sending unit may keep it from working. Try testing the wire to the sender. See if you have any current. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in.

 

[black64]

Did you test gauge at the sending unit with a resistor to see if the gauge deflects? If it does not try at each connection point from sending unit to the cluster to see if you have bad connection before you pull the cluster.

 

[DaneBisel]

I have not tested the lead at the sender. I was worried about damaging the gauge. I am going to have to check it. Any do's or do nots that I should be aware of? I have a test light. I guess you ground it and touch it to the inside of the boot. ...if it lights up than hold it there for a couple seconds to see if the needle moves?

 

[Matrix2]

Ground the wire to the temp sending, but only briefly and be careful (you can peg the needle on the gauge). The needle will move fairly quickly if everything works. No need to use a test light.