<VV> Stewart Warner Head Gauge Question

[Bob Gilbert]

Hi,

 

My 68 UltraVan has a SW head gauge with a thermocouple on the LH head.

 

The thermocouple is a basic looking washer-like affair.

 

It had 2 wires going into it but one broke off at the ring during a recent
head removal.

 

I've looked at the ring carefully and both wires appear to be electrically
the same as they are simply a crimped connection on the ring.

 

I assume they represent a connection to ground through the ring which I'm
guessing is a variable resistor that reacts to the heat. Is that correct?

 

Simple question - does the second wire need to be replaced? 

 

Regards,

Bob