59 Temp Gauge Reading?

**Jamesgarfield** · 10-04-2009, 01:05 PM

Hi. I've just bought a 59 Electra 4dr ht. I love the beast but I'm a little bit curious about the temp gauge. It doesn't matter how I drive, the temp gauge indicator never goes beyond the foot on the "P" in "Temperature". (see enclosed pic). I wonder if anyone knows the actual temp at C and H. If it's always like this on a 59, fine, but otherwise it could be a thermostat stuck in open position? It's not so good driving with a "cold" engine if so should be the case?

Thanks in advance.

**Buickguru** · 10-04-2009, 02:07 PM

Hello james,

Your guage should read right in the center when at operating temperature. There are several things that could cause this from corrosion on the probe to a pinched cathader (copper tube leading from the guage to the probe)

Look for a kink or break in the lead. If you do not find one. Try to get access to pyrometer to check the upper radiator hose temperature. be sure the thermosat is open and coolant is flowing when you do this. If it is around 190 degrees; pull the probe and check it for corrosion or build up on the housing that may be insulating it.

You may also want to look closely at the guage to be sure the needle is not touching the guage face and stopping it from moving further. If none of this works; report back for more ideas.

**telriv** · 10-04-2009, 07:05 PM

The temp gauge on a '59 is mechanical. It does NOT have copper tubing. Copper is for the mechanical oil pressure gauge on a '59. If the line has a kink in it, it will still register a temp. as it is using expanding ether to move the gauge. If the temp line is kinked that badly all the ether will have leaked out. Most likely needs a thermostat. If the line for the temp gauge is broken the temp won't read at all. But, also as is said the needle could be hitting the face or base of the gauge. But I consider this highly unlikely.

Tom T.

**Buickguru** · 10-04-2009, 07:14 PM

I'm sorry Tom. You either misread my post or are mistaken. There is a copper tube that runs the length inside the steel coil to the back of the guage. I own three 59 Buicks currently and have dealt with this problem before.

**telriv** · 10-05-2009, 03:48 AM

You are correct. But, you didn't mention anything about the coiling around the copper tube. Without mentioning the coiling it would be very easy for a novice to mistake the oil pressure gauge line for the temp gauge line that is also a copper tube but coiled up INSIDE the coiling is the copper tube for the temp gauge. As you well know this line is extremely fagile so bending & twisting should be kept to a minimum.

Tom T.