Temp gauge sender/sensor broken

[mau]

I have a 2000 H1 hummer with the 6.5 TD. I recently added a 4 inch exhause and less restrictive muffler to help with performance. About a week later, my temp guage quit working. I followed the trouble shooting algorythm and appears that the temp gauge sender/sensor is bad. I feel like this is just a coincedence, but wondered if changing the exhaust could have caused the sensor to fail? I looked for a replacement at the auto stores in town, and no one could find one listed for the Hummer. I asked about the GM TD and they could not seem to find one for it either. I have been able to order one from the Hummer dealer. Are the Temp gauge sensors that uncommon? How sturdy are these sensors, if they are hard to find and break down easily, I wonder if I should keep an extra in the garage?

Thanks,

M Hawley

[StephenA]

Which temp gage sensor you referring to? Coolant or exhaust?

[mau]

I am refering to one of the two coolant sensors, specifically the one that is in the lower block of the engine on the drivers side. There is also a 3rd temp sensor on the top of the engine in the air intake.