Cluster problem

Hi Everyone,

I have a 1986 F250 with a gauge problem. I thought I'd post
first to see if anyone has seen this problem before I take out the
instrament cluster. The problem is that the temp gauge needle moves
about 1/8" each time something that draws a lot of power is turned on.
For example if I turn on the lights it will rise, if I then turn on the
heater fan it'll rise again. If I have the high beams on with the
heater it'll be pegged hot. If I turn everything off it drops back down
towards the 3/4 mark.

The gas gauge and oil gauge seem to work.

Sam

I would guess the body of the truck has a compromised ground so it is
stealing more anywhere it can get it.

I would be checking for a wire mesh cable from the engine block to the
firewall and be cleaning the connections on it or replacing it if it has
gone rotten.

There also might be a ground from the battery to the fender that needs
cleaning.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have a 1986 F250 with a gauge problem. I thought I'd post
> first to see if anyone has seen this problem before I take out the
> instrament cluster. The problem is that the temp gauge needle moves
> about 1/8" each time something that draws a lot of power is turned on.
> For example if I turn on the lights it will rise, if I then turn on the
> heater fan it'll rise again. If I have the high beams on with the
> heater it'll be pegged hot. If I turn everything off it drops back down
> towards the 3/4 mark.
>
> The gas gauge and oil gauge seem to work.
>
> Sam

Thanks Mike. Makes sense, I will give that a shot tomorrow.

Sam