So I found this part rotted towards the back of the head and was wondering if it could be related to my temp gauge. Could anyone tell me what part this is and how to replace it?

 

It goes in the barely visable orange hole in the picture

 

That's for your dash temp unit. It's the temp sensor. You can get one locally but make sure you get one for a gauge (if that's what you have) or a light. They're not interchangeable.

 

yeah that is your sensor that controls the temp gauge in the dash. the one on the thermostat housing is for the fan / engine computer. like ezearl said, make sure you get the right one when you order or go to the parts store.

here's where it's located :

 

kudos on the clean engine bay... 👍