VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 34 Standard heat gauge

Hi Everyone.

I have a question regarding the 34 Chevy standard or Coach as they call it. It does not have a heat gauge but according to the manual that is correct. I dont understand this though. The two most crucial things on an engine is the Oil pressure and the heat gauge. My question is how do I measure the temperature? Is this nescessary? what should the temperature be about. Any help on this would be appreciated.

I have a 1936 Chevy Standard Coach and my car also does not have a temperature guage. I would guess that 34s are the same as 36s and that a temp gauge could be found on a Standard but only as an accessory. Standards in 36 that have the gauge have them located on the dash to the left of the 2 main gauges as a smaller stand alone. Other models such as the Master had come with a temp gauge on all cars.

When cars first were on the road the Temperature gauge was how much steam was blowing out the filler cap!

The first Chevrolet to have a temp. gauge on the dash was the 1929. After that all had a dash. temp. gauge except the 1933-1936 Standard and the 1937-1939 Master and Master 85. The 1937-1939 at least had an "offical" place in the instrument cluster for the gauge, with a knock-out plate that was easily removed.

See photo posted. 35 dash with temp gauge dealer accessory. (Unless ML says it's not appropriate!) in which case it should be ignored and/or disregarded.

hi there,
My 35 standard did not have a water temperature gauge so I fitted one to the plug under the thermostat housing. I am in the process of fitting another head and that will have the sensor takeoff in the correct position at the rear of the head just above the exhaust/inlet manifold.

Water and oil pressure are two of the most important measurements on any car and especially our old cars.

My advice is buy an appropriate gauge and fit it to the engine for you own peace of mind...hope this helps a bit..

regards
Peter

Thanks to everyone for all the replies. I was scared that the car would be "less authentic" or "less original" but I am not prepared to take the chance so I will fit a temp gauge. Even if I have to hide it somewhere. I've had the car idling for about 10 minutes and the water in the rad was warm but you could stick your finger in without being burned so I dont think temp is a problem in this car but again, i am not prepared to take the chance. What about the thermostat, is it supposed to have one? Also what cap should I fit? Is it a pressurised system? The cap on fillingstation seems to have holes in so i cant imagine how pressure is built. Another thing, the waterpump leaks abit of water (one drop every 2 seconds) is this ok? I believe it is for the seal to stay wet.

Hi Brakkie123
You may need a thermostat if it gets cold where you are though I dont have one in my car with no problems. The '34 doesn't have a pressurised system though you would need a proper '34 cap as it's sitting right out front there for all to see, your water pump should not be leaking at all, try tightening the gland nut a touch and make sure the rear bushing has been greased and oil added to the spring top oiler for the front bush. you should try to find a 1934 repair manual it will be a great help till you get to know your car a little better.
Good luck

Hi Brian.

Thanks alot. Ok, i will oil the waterpump and tighten the gland nut. I see there is an online manual but its not that helpfull when it comes to small details like this. I use fillingstation for all my parts. They have a manual on cd but im scared that this is the same as the online manual. Do you have any experience with this sort of thing? Also, do you know of any other supplier i can get spares from online? Again, thanks for all the help.....

Be gentle with that water pump. Mine dribbles a little from the rear packing. I also found the baffle behind the pump was missing. On the thermostat I drilled two 3/16" holes on the flange before I installed my 160 thermostat. My 207 runs 180-195. It helped. All my opinion, others will have their remedies and war stories. Keeping an eye on the engine temp is a priority on these engines. I bought a gun from Harbor Freight that shoots a laser to check temps on top and bottom of the radiator as well as the block at the thermostat housing and where the water temp sensor is located. Decide now if you want a totally original restoration or subtle reversible modifications for improved drivability, or a big block, blower, automatic, etc. Your decision - no one else's. Enjoy!
Marx parts 715-652-2405
Kanter 800-526-1096
Obsolete Chevy Parts 800-248-8705
I & I Reproductions 562-531-8117
Chev's off the 20s
Chev's of the 40s
Bowtie reproductions
Tom Langdon's stovebolt6
The people here are a great source!
Most of all PM me I will give you my psychiatrist's phone number!!!

Hi Brakkie123
I'm in Australia and I got my repair manual(hard copy) from www.chevparts.com.au I'm sure they would post you one real quick.