We are still asking: What did you get done on your Bolt today ????
The question, initially posted May 23, 2005, was:
"Whatcha do on your Bolt this weekend?"
After 51,906,997 views, 7378 replies over 185 pages, this thread in General Truck Talk is a happening! And it's not just weekends anymore.
Well, heres what the water gauge looks like.. and no it does not read temps! (as you can see) FAncy looking mechanism here.. wonder what is busted and what can be fixed.. I see no 'bulb' in it (myself). Any ideas? Oh and I am out of gas!
Last edited by 38_1.5Ton; Thu Jul 22 2021 04:15 AM.
'38 1.5ton; "The stuff is as tough as woodpecker lips"
The picture on the left is an example water temperature gauge with all the parts that make it operate. Notice a bulb-shaped sensor attached to the end of the tube. This sensor goes inside the engine block or head and makes contact with the engine coolant. This is a mechanical gauge. No electricity required.
The picture on the right is a typical 6 volt bulb that shines light into the gauge cluster.
Which bulb are you talking about? I need to get this straight (understood) before we can continue.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
Ohhhh well now this is making sense to me. I dont have that left pic bulb or it is on the engine somewhere! So I need to find that, if it is on the original engine and reattach ? (or get a new one) I *thought* a tiny 'bulb' similar to the one on the right was inside the mechanism (my mos right pic) Now that you have explained that, I understand. So - no it is not a light buld or even like a lightbulb I need.. it is a mechanical 'bulb'. Yes.
Last edited by 38_1.5Ton; Thu Jul 22 2021 07:59 PM.
'38 1.5ton; "The stuff is as tough as woodpecker lips"
This is a rebuilt GMC gauge from Jim Carter who is well know at Stovebolt. Your broken gauge may require an additional $60 core charge. Call them for details. https://oldchevytrucks.com/resp275.html
Last edited by buoymaker; Thu Jul 22 2021 09:38 PM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
* Cut a big hole in your dash for a modern $200+ instrumentation panel and buy individual modern gauges to fit the holes. This is the least favorable solution with the Stovebolt members. * Buy a new reproduction 1949-53 Chevy truck gauge with white needle and try to swap the gauge faces. Can be difficult. * Buy a new low cost mechanical water temperature gauge and use the parts to fix your broken gauge. This can be very difficult to do.
Personally I would worry more about fixing/restoring the more important parts of your truck first then deal with the gauges later. You can go to a local parts store and buy lower cost gauges and use them as a temporary solution. I reused my temporary gauges on a homemade engine stand.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
wonder what is busted and what can be fixed.. I see no 'bulb' in it (myself). 
Any ideas? Oh and I am out of gas!