Temp Gauge Question

I have a 1986 175 Mercury Black Max. The temp gauge quit working. Will a automotive temp gauge from the parts store work, or do I need to get a mercury temp gauge? Thanks for any help!

You need to make sure its not the sender or a wire connection. Ground the sensor post of the gauge and if it pegs out it is good and if it does not move when grounding the sensor post the gauge is bad. I have never tried to use an automotive gauge their.

Thanks for the reply Gary. I checked it this morning just like you said. Needle didnt move at all. I checked the other connections and verified it is getting 12 volts keyed power, and has a good ground.