'68 Ford 302 Temp Sensor?

[keiken01]

My temp gauge was working fine then stopped. I grounded the sensor wire to the engine and it pegged at the high, which I believe is correct to test the gauge is working fine.

I assume this means the temp sensor is bad, but thought I'd ask before I make a trip to the parts store.

[dog1017]

yes that is a bad sensor

[keiken01]

Thanks, I'll add it to my list.
I replaced my thermostat some time ago with the OE 195 degree. I was thinking of swapping the thermostat to a cooler one to drop the temperature in the engine compartment. Is there any reason I shouldn't swap it for a 160 or 180 degree. The radiator keeps up fine but I've been adjusting the carb and it gets awfully hot under the hood.

[dougbfresh]

Won't really change anything under the hood. The temp on the T-stat is only the temp when the stat opens-to get things cooler you really need a larger radiator and possibly a larger volume pump.