Temp gauge going crazy

[tworthey]

After searching the forum for several weeks I cannot find the same problem. Please HELP!
Driving in town with the starts and stops, my temp gauge goes up to the L on normal. If I sit at idle with the tranny in park or neutral the temp will level out between r and m. If I drive on the highway without the starts and stops, the temp stays between the r and m.
What I've done so far:
- New water pump
- 3 new thermostats (last one 180 degree)
- Both temp sending units new
- Coolant system flush
- New rad
- New hoses

Don't know what else to do.
I have a 94 X Eddie Bauer.

 

[DENZILH]

mine was the same.i unhooked the factory sending unit and put in a mechanical temperature meter from equus-end of problem.

 

[StryctNy9e]

burp the system of air really good, lift the front of the truck up, higher than the heater core to allow trapped air to escape

 

[tworthey]

StryctNy9e, Thanks for the advice. I thought I burped it well enough but I didn't jack up the front. I'll try this this evening.

DENZILH, it seems more like something internal. But I'm not ruling out your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[FLwireman]

On my '93 Ed B it was the fan clutch.

 

[tworthey]

Thanks. I didn't think to check that. Guess I have some work ahead of me this weekend.

 

[Robert Nick]

Also check your Plastic Fan for Cracking too.

 

[Mettler]

Mine did that too. As it turned out, the one wire connector was loose. I squeezed the little brass connector and stuck it back on. No more wacko gauge.

 

[tworthey]

I checked the fan and it is cracked. I have also noticed that the ac cooling comes and goes. I ordered a new fan clutch and a new fan. I researched how they work and now believe that this may be the problem. The clutch is controlled by air temp. I'll update once parts get here and I get them installed.

BTW...I double checked sensor connectors and they are making good contact. I cleaned the female side when I installed the new sensor. Thanks for the heads up.

Update:
I replace the fan and fan clutch and it seems to have corrected the problem. Took my X for a long ride to heat it up. Did a whole bunch of starts/stops and the needle stayed between n and o. Thanks FLwireman and Robert Nick.