where to hook up water temp

[mikepaul21]

I'm installing my water temperature sensor tomorrow and I don't know whether to install it before or after the radiator. I feel like before the radiator would give me a better readout of what the engine is actually dealing with for heat issues, but on the other side I can also see why it would be important to see what the temperature is that engine is about to use.

[wparsons]

There is already a coolant temperature sender, you should see if you can just tap into it.

You don't want the sender anywhere associated with the rad, you want it inside the coolant loop with the thermostat closed so you're always getting an accurate reading, not just when the thermostat is open. In the block is ideal since that's the actual temperature inside the engine, and that's where the OEM sender is IIRC.

[mikepaul21]

Originally Posted by wparsons

There is already a coolant temperature sender, you should see if you can just tap into it.

You don't want the sender anywhere associated with the rad, you want it inside the coolant loop with the thermostat closed so you're always getting an accurate reading, not just when the thermostat is open. In the block is ideal since that's the actual temperature inside the engine, and that's where the OEM sender is IIRC.

anyone have any pictures of where I can find this?

[Ultramaroon]

do it via software so you don't fuck up the impedance of the sensor circuit.

Or does someone know if there's a buffer amp in the sensor itself?

[mikepaul21]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

do it via software so you don't fuck up the impedance of the sensor circuit.

Or does someone know if there's a buffer amp in the sensor itself?

I already bought the gauge and it's hardwired, not connected to the OBD 2

[wparsons]

I would see if you can return it and find something that ties into the factory stuff.

Alternatively, if you have manual gearbox I think there's a spare plug in the block you can remove to add another sensor, but maybe that's on an oil passage?

[wrohdejr]

I purchased a prosport radiator hose adapter and cut into the hose that runs from the filler to the block. Temp sending unit screws into the adapter.

http://prosportgauges.com/water-temp...e-adaptor.aspx

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by wparsons

I would see if you can return it and find something that ties into the factory stuff.

Alternatively, if you have manual gearbox I think there's a spare plug in the block you can remove to add another sensor, but maybe that's on an oil passage?

That's for the clutch throwout fluid.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

That's for the clutch throwout fluid.

Sarasm?

There's definitely an extra plug in the engine block on manual cars, just can't remember if it's coolant or oil.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Sarasm?

There's definitely an extra plug in the engine block on manual cars, just can't remember if it's coolant or oil.

Oh, just mixing it up. All about clutches for me this weekend
I know about the one under the A/C compressor but was unaware of any other only for the manual.

[mikepaul21]

Originally Posted by wrohdejr

I purchased a prosport radiator hose adapter and cut into the hose that runs from the filler to the block. Temp sending unit screws into the adapter.

http://prosportgauges.com/water-temp...e-adaptor.aspx

Is it the same hose used in in this link? http://www.autometer.com/techinfo_ne...px?pg=1&aid=19

[FRSfan111]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Sarasm?

There's definitely an extra plug in the engine block on manual cars, just can't remember if it's coolant or oil.

It's oil. That's why it leaks oil from tere on some cars lol.

[zkv476]

The port above the block next to the AC compressor is oil. There is one for manual transmissions below the block next to the outlet going to the heater core that's plugged on MT models and is coolant. I used that line for my OEM oil cooler's water line. It's right near the water pump. This port is used on AT models for cooling the AT. As suggested using the factory water temp reading would be best but if you want to go this path, you'll also need an adapter for whatever sender you need to plug into that port. The thread in the block is M14x1.5



Picture stolen from the FXT oil cooler DIY page: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50427

[wrohdejr]

Originally Posted by mikepaul21

Is it the same hose used in in this link? http://www.autometer.com/techinfo_ne...px?pg=1&aid=19

No i tapped into the hose from the filler neck to the block.