[angst]

I just replaced my waterpump. I am leaving the fan clutch and fan off as all the parts for an electric retrofit are on the way.
Im limiting to short 5 min trips until all is back together.
Immediatley on startup the in cab water temp gauge reads in the middle of the operating range. After a short trip a non contact thermometer pointed at the engine and water pump reads 170f range and the radiator iteslf only reads around ambient air temp.
Is this because I put teflon on the threads of the sensor that threads in next to the thermostat housing? Or is it possibly because there is air in the coolant system?

 

[JoshR]

I think the tape is the problem, as it may be preventing the sensor case from grounding to the pump. As the sensor should have tapered threads, you shouldn't need tape. A bit of teflon pipe dope might not hurt, though.

Josh