Water Temp Gauge not working

[RoyalVW]

Hi all,
My temp gauge seems to have given up the ghost. I have checked that it works by connecting across the relay (as in the Wiki) and the needle shot up. I then shorted the wire from the sender which sparked so I know there was power there, but nothing happened at the temp gauge. Does this mean I have a fault in the wiring from the engine to the front? I am not that hot on electrics but am eager to crack this, as I don't fancy driving too far without the proper instrumentation.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[AngeloEvs]

Is your van fitted with a plastic thermostat housing? These have two sensors and you need to short the correct one identified by a yellow/red cable connected to the sender that faces the cab.

[hicksy]

I had the same fault on my van. It turns out the Hose clamp that the sensor should be earthed to on the block was not earthed!

Have a look here where I went through the fault, hope it helps a little: http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=82900" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[kevtherev]

If it's an engine with the plastic thermostat housing the Brickwerks can supply a quality sender.
I would also get the "O" ring and clip with it

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... ory_id=118" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;