> Since I replaced my coolant reservoir, the temp gauge on my 83.5 has been
> acting screwy: flashing warning light goes on and off, temperature gauge
> shoots up, then drops down etc. I do think the engine is actually running
> hot, but not as hot as fast as the gauge sometimes indicates.
>
> The sensor in the old tank was cracked, so I replaced it with one from my
> parts car, on which the terminals weren't quite as thick (hence, bad
> connection perhaps?).

These sensors don't seem to last long. I wouldn't use a used one. Buy two
new ones... one to replace the old one... and one to replace that one in
another year or two :) ... good things to have handy...

Now I am wondering whether the sensor has anything to
> do with the temperature gauge or measures only  coolant *level*.
>
> Also, a flashing light in the temp gauge means either low level OR
> overheating, right?

right... or that the coolant concentration is too low relative to water

>
> Will a new sensor (which I have already) solve my problems?

Maybe... but shouldn't have anything to do with temperature needle going up
high... I would check to see if you got all the air out of the coolant lines
after changing your coolant resevoir.... that could cause both symptoms...

> Do I need a new Temp 1 sensor?

maybe, but my guess would be air not bled out of system good enough...

Good Luck,
Bill

> Please send your thoughts to my personal address. Thanks. And thanks for
all
> the advice on the O2 sensor light. I finally got it to go out.
>
> Woody
>