Hey guys, 

 

My '84 has a digidash, and I dont trust the temp gauge.  SO Ive got a digital temp gauge to install, and need a spot to install the sender.

 

I do not want to make the factory gauge in-op.  

 

Is there another easy spot to install this sender?  How are you guys installing "real" gauges?

 

BTW, the gauge is a new VEI dual gauge.

 

Like this one, but with oil psi and water temp.

 

 

I should have an extra block heater adapter that screws in to the front of the block where the large plugs are. This would at least provide a large threaded hole to adapt to. Yours in an envelope if you want it (just PM a mailing address).

Edited August 9, 201312 yr by Crazyeights

You can pick up in-line "T"s that fit in the rad hose. You would cut the hose and fit the T in the cut, secure the hose to each end. The temp-sender would screw into the T. And if such a thing doesn't exist, invent it and make a few million bucks (just give me a royalty!).

Edited August 9, 201312 yr by man on the moon

If your thread diameter and pitch are the right size, you could replace one of the coolant plugs on the bottom of the head with the temp-sender as well.

You can pick up in-line "T"s that fit in the rad hose. You would cut the hose and fit the T in the cut, secure the hose to each end. The temp-sender would screw into the T. And if such a thing doesn't exist, invent it and make a few million bucks (just give me a royalty!).

This wouldn't give the temperature of the engine, just the temp in the radiator hose.

Actually, a temp sender located in the upper radiator hose would give you the highest temp readings.  That is ideal.

 

Ideal until the t-stat sticks shut anyways!  But thats why I want to keep the factory gauge.  I need to know just how accurate it is reading, as well as have the comfort of knowing JUST how warm the engine is.

 

I hadnt considered the engine block plug port.  Ill think about it.  May even hit you up for it for a block heater!

 

In the mean time, I jumped on one of these.... just to see if it is worth using.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350675974138

The sensor in the hose still only tells you the temp in the hose.  If the t-stat isn't open the temperature will read far lower than the actual engine temp.  If your coolant is low, it may never see the engine's temp

If the coolant is low, the gauge will read very low (and hopefully you'll know why). If your coolant is full, though, the upper rad hose should read the same or within about two degrees of what the temp sensor in the thermostat housing is reading. If you make the error of putting it in the LOWER hose, then yes, you will be way off, but the upper hose shouldn't pose any problems after the 'stat opens.

The plan right now is to use the existing temp sender port for the new sending unit and gauge, and to relocate the old sending unit to the upper radiator hose.  

 

 

Also, being lifted the upper hose is more than likely staying quite full all the time.  

Edited August 12, 201312 yr by Idasho