Ford 340B Temp Gauge\Instrument Cluster Replacement?

[wjb-49]

Hi all!

I have a 1985 Ford 340B (s\n C743904) and am having trouble with the temperature gauge. When I first start the tractor the gauge appears to be working, but as the engine warms up the indicator disappears into the low temp. zone. I am not sure if the problem is with the gauge or the sending unit and do not know how to test to determine where the problem is.

I looked at the Ford\New Holland parts database and found that a new complete instrument cluster part #83953544 (replaced #E5NN10849BA) or part #83954555 (replaced part #E5NN10849DA) cost $345 - $451. A temperature indicator assembly costs $83. I also found this complete cluster on eBay for $130, which the seller claims to be a New Holland\Part.

Has anyone had experience with replacing either the complete instrument cluster or fuel gauge and what are your thoughts about the $130 cluster? It costs much less than the part sold by New Holland and not much more than the New Holland temperature gauge.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Ultradog MN]

Try grounding the wire that hooks to the temp sender. Watch the gauge. It should peg on hot when you ground it then slowly go back to normal.
As for the new ones on Ebay yeah they work just fine though I seriously doubt they are New Hollands own.