52Carl - Thanks for your response, insight and guidance. I wish I knew the decision behind removing it. My curiosity is that it's been about 18 years since the engine/truck was rebuilt, so what failed/triggered this issue now.
Otto - Thank you. I have a friend who has the thermometer and I'll be meeting up with him later in the week and see what we find out.
As a side note, you had previously written your comments about the series. I re-confirmed that this truck is a 2nd series and when I read the reason for the conclusion (from a local antique car buff) is that is has an open rear-end on it.
