I just got done swapping in a new motor by myself and it runs great except for a few problems.

1) Temp gauge doesn't work. after the first startup I hung around with the temp gun constantly checking my temperature at the neck where it enters the water pump. Temps were consistant and I trust that it won't overheat or anything, but I need that gauge to work. I know the main sensor that controls how the car idles is behind the alternator, but the connection is great and doesn't come loose.

Is there any other sensor locations that might have gone bad? Or maybe I just forgot to plug one in during the swap.

2) The car will idle great sometimes, but sometimes it won't idle at all and dies when the rpms drop below 1k. Its really hard to drive sometimes (Having to work all three pedals at once haha) Tonight Im going to try to set my idle and all based on the FSM, but before I do that maybe somebody has some input as to some other possible reasons for this problem.

Could these two problems be related? If so how can I fix?
This was my first swap ever, and I was suprised at how few problems arose but maybe I made some small nooblike mistake? help please!!

 

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The guage sensor is under the oil filter. Check that, then the gauge, then blow up the car.

 

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ok...thanks I got my gauge fixed, but the idle is still not right and the car dies..