Water temp gauge questions

[copo]

I'd like to install a water temp gauge in my '87 GN and wonder if someone could send me a picture of the best location in the engine. And whether to go with electric or mechanical. And what brands they are available in. If you have a link then post it. I've seen pics of the ones mounted on the side pillar and the ones that have 2 gauges mounted under the radio in that open compartment.
BTW is there a hole with a plug already in the firewall to pass the gauge wires/sender through? Thx in advance.

 

[copo]

Geeze, it's amazing how no one has a temp gauge in their GN!
I guess it's a tuff install. After I put one in I'll post how I did it and will share the info. It can't be any harder than when I did the mech one in my 70 Z28. I'll even make a point of buying a digital camera for a pic. Thx.

 

[Steves87]

Mark,

I ordered mine and waiting for it to arrive. Then I will be installing one as well. I can't be much help until then.

Steve

 

[Turbo T/A 1543]

There is a grommet under the powermaster unit in the firewall that wiring & the vac. hose for the cruise control run through that is easily accessible. As far as sending init placement, I T-d the sender for the idiot lights and gauge together (beneath turbo / passenger side of the timing cover area). HTH

 

[nero]

Just got my elec. water temp gauge... autometer P/N 3337 (i believe) anyways.... Does anyone know what size or p/n for the T? I want to retain the idiot light so I'm going with the T'd configuration...thanks

OH! I was under the hood and I noticed two "could-be" sensors =O is it the one with the green wire located directly on the pass side thermostat housing or is the bigger thing located down more towards the underside of the turbo?

thanks again

-nero-

 

[Turbo T/A 1543]

3/8" pipe

 

[Turbo T/A 1543]

Didn't see the second question. Yes, the sending unit is slightly below the t-stat housing / passenger side / green wire.

 

[Ormand]

Copo, did you search the archives? This subject has come up many times. The sender can be mounted in the driver's side of the block, or it can be put in with a "T" where the stock switch for the idiot light is. Or you could just dump the idiot light, and use that hole for your sender.

 

[nero]

Thanks for clarifying! Oh, don't blame the thread originator! I brought this old thread back to life because I didn't want to create redundancy.

OK I saw where the stock sensor is placed, but I can't find the driver's side plug??? On the head, or the manifold?? ( the stock one looks like a PITA to get to with the upper radiator hose in the way )

-nero-

 

[Renthorin]

I put mine in the hole in the block on the driver's side. Perfect fit and very easy to get to (from the bottom).

 

[copo]

So whats the threads per inch for the 3/8 pipe for the T.

 

[Ormand]

3/8 pipe is 3/8 pipe. Threads are NPT (National pipe thread, maybe?) which are not the same as the threads on a bolt or stud. Pipe has a whole set of standards all its own, it doesn't use much of the same standards as other products. So, just get a fitting with 3/8 pipe threads-they are tapered, by the way. And the fitting on the drivers side is down on the block, it is plugged with a plug with a square head, which may be hard to get out.

 

[nero]

Thanks for the help guys and lastly, before I let this thread die *again*, should I put a spade connecter on the light bulb wire and plug it intot he fuse block under a IGN slot, or should I splice that wire into the headlight??

thanks

 

[salvageV6]

NAPA has a fitting that plugs in perfectly into the IGN slots in the fuse box. Also make one for the BAT slots too.

Pigtail end on the wire you can solder the lead to or use a crimp inline splice.

Beats having the wires fall out like mine always used to do.

 

[TType84]

is this plug on the 14 bolt blocks too? bout to get a water temp gauge.. would like to just do it like that instead of in the intake.