Difference in Warning Light Switch or Gauge Sensor

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by 12lives, Dec 18, 2021.

  1. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    I don't have much to compare to and of course the internet is no help. I'm working on a 1972 engine from a Rivera and wonder if the water and oil sensors are switches for lights or sensors for gauges? Is there an easy way to tell or should I check the resistance as they heat up/pressurize? Or did all Rivs have gauges in 1972?
     
  2. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Here’s the switch for an oil pressure light. The sender for a gauge is bigger, like a big shot glass.
    Patrick image.jpg
     
  3. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    And if you are talking about the the one on the back of the head on the drivers side it is the STOP ENGINE LIGHT with a single terminal . The test for that is while cranking . The Passenger side back of head is a 2 terminal .
     
  4. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks - These are the ones up front by the oil filter and on top of the intake. I'm going to run gauges but wanted to keep my warning lights.
     
  5. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Right - I figured out the one on the back. In fact this engine had one on the rear left and right head. Not sure what the second one was.
     
  6. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    The one on the rear Right side head is for the heater controls it delays turn on .
    Left side rear head is the Stop Engine light .
     
  7. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks! Makes sense(r)! So they both ground out but at different temps?
     
  8. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    And these are the units in question. It sounds like they are both for warning lights.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    Yes . Those are for the " Idiot Lights " The top one for the oil pump area and the bottom one for the intake
     
  10. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    If you want to run both the idiot lights and gauges there are dual sensors available that plug into the stock locations, I know VDO offers them with their gauge products.
     
  11. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks! I already have my mechanical gauges and it looks good from here on.
     

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