stupid question....temp gauge and sender, temp doesn't register...where is sender? Options

[jim912928]

Ok, my temperature gauge doesn't register at all. Car runs fine, but I really don't want to run it long without knowing what temperature range I'm running in. So, I need to begin diagnosing this problem but first I'd like to know where in the heck the temp sender is located? I'm guessing it can only be 1) wiring, 2) gauge or 3) sender. So, once I find out where the sender is how do I test it?

Car is a 75 1.8l....again, as usual...thanks in advance!

[jim912928]

Ok, I think I found the "taco plate" assuming it is on the corner of the engine, bottom, closest to the drivers side. It's (I'm guessing) 3-4" in diameter. Mine has a cylindrical formed piece (part of the cover) that comes out at maybe a 45 degree angle towards the front of the car with a 1/4-1/2" hole in the end of it. There is no wire going into it and I couldn't get an angle or stick my finger in far enough to feel if there was a connector end in there.

A stupid question though...if 1.8's have no temp sensor or temp indicator..how would one know if they were overheating their engine?

Thanks, every post is a learning experience for me!

Jim