hey guys,
I know this seems like a beaten topic but... I dont want to do a cluster swap to guages on my 96 xj. So i got a mehcanical temp gauge to keep track of how hot she is getting. My issue is the temp sensor that is located near the valve cover on the rear driver side of the head. The guage i got seems like the probe will not fit in this hole. It seems the diameter of the probe is way to big for the sender hole.

SO my question is what am I going to hurt if i route it into the one near the thermostat? Am i going to get an accurate reading from this spot? Im more worried about what the PCM wont be getting from the sensor on the thermostat housing. Any one have any input or what they did on their 96 or pre. The other thing is that it seems like if i use fittings to get the probe in the whole near the valve cover that it will be too high and not get any flow over it.

 

Simple way- thermostat housing with two sensor holes:
http://hesco.us/shop.asp?action=deta...247&catId=7969

 

Hmmm thats the simple way? do you know what the computer is actually using the reading for the original temp sensor for ? I would like to get this plumbed in without needing that housing. But thanks for showing that.

 

The sensor that's in the therm. housing now tells the PCM when the engine is up to operating temperature. If it's compromised you might never go into closed loop operation and experience other driveability problems, you really don't want to mess with it. That's why I suggested adding your new sensor alongside it.
Can you create an adapter to fit your new sensor into the hole in the back of the block? Couple of pipe reducers?

 

got ya , thanks for the info def not looking to do that. not dissing your idea as it seems like a good choice but any one else ever done this before?? please post up your thoughts ideas previously sucessful ways??

 

anyone try using a t off the thermostat housing?? Did it read that far off??

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130606047438...84.m1438.l2649

This lets you add a remote gauge without changing the stock sensors.

 

Have u looked at an electric temp gauge, those sending units r much smaller than mechanical temp gauges and may be easier to mount. One can easily make a sending unit adapter from a copper nipple and brass bushings (available at a hardware store $2-3) and mount it in the heater hose close to the t-stat housing.

 

Here's another option. The 19mm housing would fit in the 3/4" heater hose.

http://trailtech.net/tto_temperature.html

 

I have a setup using a similar adapter to the link "rrich" gave. Just cut a one inch or so section out of the upper radiator hose and hose clamp it in place and run your wiring. Seems to be fairly accurate. Only "issues" are that your original temp sensor is located where the coolant comes in, and this one is located after it has taken heat from the engine. Another issue is that it takes a few minutes before it does anything, has to wait for the thermostat to open then it comes up to heat on the gauge quickly.

Why don't you want to use your original temp gauge? Do you just want a more accurate reading?

 

The original sensor/sending unit is not located where coolant enters the motor.....rather where coolant exits the motor, or close to it depending on year model.

If the aftermarket sending unit is mounted in the heater hose, rather than the radiator hose, the gauge will start registering as soon as coolant temp starts to rise.

Just about any gauge would be more accurate than the factory unit.

 

hey guys just saw all the responces. Funny you all mentioned the heater hose because thats exactly what I wound up doing. T'd right into it close to the stat. Reads accurate and much cheaper the new tstat housing. Definetly suggest to any one with older modle unless your getting an electric guauge that has a sender that will fit in the spot toward the back of the head. Thanks again guys