 |
|
07-22-05, 01:00 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Knoxville
Posts: 2,532
|
Adding coolant temp gauge?
Ran a search on this, but many of the pics. etc appear to have been dumped from the threads. I'm looking to install a temp. gauage to more accurately monitor coolant temps. Looking for something reasonable.
Thanks for any help, suggestions and pics.

Rookie2
__________________
1997 LX-450, Basically stock.
|
|
|
07-22-05, 01:28 PM
|
#2 (permalink)
|
|
Parts Geek, M1 Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wheelin' a Camry
Posts: 14,940
|
I am doing this exact thing tomorrow. Ben at Slee had a 270 Degree sweep Isspro electric gauge that reads from 100 to 240. He sent me that and an Acura 2 gauge pod that I will modify to fit. I already have a boost gauge so I will have to off that single pod.
I will be mounting the sender in the upper water neck in the circular "boss" on the neck. I have a new neck that I will drill and tap and then break into the system to install it. Swapping the neck will require removal of the distributor and the upper alternator mount. Since I have to go in that deep I plan to pull the alternator and install a new brush pack in it at the same time. It is original and at 132,000 miles so I'm sure the brushes are getting short. Since I will be that close it is a no-brainer.
__________________
Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...Gastrap063.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...frifles004.jpg
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:02 PM
|
#3 (permalink)
|
|
You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PRK
Posts: 11,727
|
I have been toying with the idea of simply gluing a thermocouple with conductive epoxy to some suitable metal surface to avoid having to drill /tap/open etc. May still do that. But the OBD approach seems more appealing all the time (for those of us who don't drive antiques...  ). The disadvantage of the latter is that you would not have a display in front of you all the time...
__________________
'97: 89K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, see Classifieds for SnT, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!)
'03: 112K, the better half's...
DD Accord
souped up DR650
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:29 PM
|
#4 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Regular
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 113
|
Here's another way of tapping into your coolant to get the temp for a temp gauge:
Pick one of the radiator hoses (upper preferred), splice it, then insert a section metal pipe that is the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the radiator hose. The pipe would be drilled & tapped already so that a temp sensor can be screwed into it. I have also seen some weld a "boss" to the pipe so that the temp sensor can be screwed into the boss on the pipe. Before inserting the temp sensor into the pipe, apply silicone or liquid teflon to the threads on the pipe (or temp sensor). Screw the sensor into the section of metal pipe. Reinsert the small section of metal pipe between the splice on the chosen radiator hose and use (2) clamps to secure the hose & pipe.
Sometimes doing the above is easier than tapping a thermostat housing, especially if it's quite a bit of work just to remove the thermostat housing (or trying to access some other area to tap into the cooling system).
The most accurate reading will be that of a temp sensor that makes contact with the coolant fluid, rather than one that is attached to exterior metal surfaces (or sandwhiched into a radiator's fins).
Maybe the above is helpful to some, but that method is used by many folks in racing (drag, auto crossing, road racing, etc) and does not cause any detrimental affects at all.
__________________
- Phil
1992 FJ80 163k SOLD
1994 Cobra coupe
1994 Bronco 5.0
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:41 PM
|
#5 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Scottsdale Arizona
Posts: 3,665
|
I installed a W/T sending unit the same place Dan speaks of a year ago. Depending on how anal you are  you dont need to remove anything. I used 2 cordless drills for the job (1 with the proper size bit, 1 with the tap) didnt even remove the radiator cap lost maybe 2 oz of coolant. Once you have everything together less then 1 minute to install the sensor. Drill, tap, and screw the sensor in = done.
__________________
"Knowledge without experience is just information"--Mark Twain
Copper State Cruisers #003
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:42 PM
|
#6 (permalink)
|
|
Parts Geek, M1 Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wheelin' a Camry
Posts: 14,940
|
How about the shavings Phil?
__________________
Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...Gastrap063.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...frifles004.jpg
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:52 PM
|
#7 (permalink)
|
|
You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PRK
Posts: 11,727
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Cobra Jet
Here's another way of tapping into your coolant to get the temp for a temp gauge:
Pick one of the radiator hoses (upper preferred), splice it, then insert a section metal pipe that is the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the radiator hose. The pipe would be drilled & tapped already so that a temp sensor can be screwed into it. I have also seen some weld a "boss" to the pipe so that the temp sensor can be screwed into the boss on the pipe. Before inserting the temp sensor into the pipe, apply silicone or liquid teflon to the threads on the pipe (or temp sensor). Screw the sensor into the section of metal pipe. Reinsert the small section of metal pipe between the splice on the chosen radiator hose and use (2) clamps to secure the hose & pipe.
Sometimes doing the above is easier than tapping a thermostat housing, especially if it's quite a bit of work just to remove the thermostat housing (or trying to access some other area to tap into the cooling system).
The most accurate reading will be that of a temp sensor that makes contact with the coolant fluid, rather than one that is attached to exterior metal surfaces (or sandwhiched into a radiator's fins).
Maybe the above is helpful to some, but that method is used by many folks in racing (drag, auto crossing, road racing, etc) and does not cause any detrimental affects at all.

|
true that gluing a sensor is not as accurate but if it's metal and not exposed to the fan air flow, should be fine, especially if you use special epoxy and insulate the sensor.
As far as the hose coupling approach, they sell these things.
__________________
'97: 89K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, see Classifieds for SnT, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!)
'03: 112K, the better half's...
DD Accord
souped up DR650
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:53 PM
|
#8 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Scottsdale Arizona
Posts: 3,665
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cruiserdan
How about the shavings Phil?
|
I felt that the combination of the grease on the bits and the coolant on the inside pushing out that nothing was left behind inside. And even if a few shavings found there way in what adverse affect could it have? I feel I'm pretty anal but this didn’t bother me at all.
__________________
"Knowledge without experience is just information"--Mark Twain
Copper State Cruisers #003
|
|
|
07-22-05, 02:55 PM
|
#9 (permalink)
|
|
Parts Geek, M1 Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wheelin' a Camry
Posts: 14,940
|
Hmmm,
Well I'll look at that tomorrow. I do kinda want to put brushes in the alternator anyway So I'll just drink a beer and ponder it......
__________________
Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...Gastrap063.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...frifles004.jpg
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:05 PM
|
#10 (permalink)
|
|
ThinkTank Waterboy
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston MA
Posts: 12,528
|
If that neck is made of aluminum you shopuld use Isopropyl Alcohol to lubricate the tap and not grease or oil. The alcohol evaporates at a faster rate keeping the chips cooler which is where the issue with clogging the bit comes in.
__________________
Rick Bigelow
'96 215k
Groveland MA 01834
If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:14 PM
|
#11 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Scottsdale Arizona
Posts: 3,665
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by landtank
If that neck is made of aluminum you shopuld use Isopropyl Alcohol to lubricate the tap and not grease or oil. The alcohol evaporates at a faster rate keeping the chips cooler which is where the issue with clogging the bit comes in.
|
Thats good to know Rick. Thanks for the tip I will use it next time.
Dan if you drink beer prior the chips wont bother you at all.
__________________
"Knowledge without experience is just information"--Mark Twain
Copper State Cruisers #003
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:35 PM
|
#12 (permalink)
|
|
You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PRK
Posts: 11,727
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by LandCruiserPhil
Thats good to know Rick. Thanks for the tip I will use it next time.
Dan if you drink beer prior the chips wont bother you at all. 
|
corn chips and salsa are nicer than the regular potato chips, they don't bother me at all...
__________________
'97: 89K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, see Classifieds for SnT, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!)
'03: 112K, the better half's...
DD Accord
souped up DR650
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:38 PM
|
#13 (permalink)
|
|
Site Addict
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ithaca, New York
Posts: 1,835
|
Dan, I tapped that boss for the coolant line to the turbo following LandCruiserPhil's method. I did add a shop vac with a small hose sucking up as much crap as it could directly where I was drilling/tapping as well. I used grease to "grab" any aluminum and methodically cleaned the tap several times during the process. The boss is thicker than I suspected, plenty of threads there. Even going slow it didn't take very long at all, maybe 15 mins. The good news is that once you've got it tapped for the coolant temp sender it'll be a piece of cake to just plumb in the line over to the "new turbo"
Special note to Dan - That Acura dual gauge pod takes some MAJOR surgery to fit right! I laughed and called Slee just to check what "a little trimming" meant in CO...
The dremel was priceless for this procedure. Good luck!
__________________
Mike R.
hmmm....nuthin'
Answer a fool according to his own folly.
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:42 PM
|
#14 (permalink)
|
|
death to infidels
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Building 6, Row H, Cube 8a
Posts: 996
|
Quote:
|
If that neck is made of aluminum you shopuld use Isopropyl Alcohol to lubricate the tap and not grease or oil. The alcohol evaporates at a faster rate keeping the chips cooler which is where the issue with clogging the bit comes in.
|
Kerosene or Rapid Tap for aluminum is preferred for tapping and cutting Al. I've never heard of using alcohol.
I spent quite a bit of time in machine shops.
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:45 PM
|
#15 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Knoxville
Posts: 2,532
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by e9999
corn chips and salsa are nicer than the regular potato chips, they don't bother me at all... 
|
So yall recommend any sites that have some product options to look at. I went to Slee's site, but didn't see anything like this shown in his products section. The dual gauge A-pillar setups I recall seeing looked nice (not sure what should go in the other slot for a non-superchargered setup), but that setup seemed to get a little to pricey. I just want something that better informs me on engine temps, and don't want to drop 500 bills for that.

Rookie2
__________________
1997 LX-450, Basically stock.
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:47 PM
|
#16 (permalink)
|
|
250+ Club
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Aguanga, California
Posts: 542
|
e9999 has told us several times that a PDA with software connected to the OBDII port is the best route and after much research I belive him to be right. I'm asking him again here what software will do this job.
__________________
Cheers,
Mike Stevens, Palm Desert, California
'97 FJZ80 "Collector's Edition" Black 132K miles with 3 hub caps
|
|
|
07-22-05, 03:59 PM
|
#17 (permalink)
|
|
Site Addict
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Deep East Texas
Posts: 2,257
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cruiserdan
I am doing this exact thing tomorrow. Ben at Slee had a 270 Degree sweep Isspro electric gauge that reads from 100 to 240. He sent me that and an Acura 2 gauge pod that I will modify to fit. I already have a boost gauge so I will have to off that single pod.
.
|
Dan, please take careful notes on how you modify the A pillar pod. I've been wanting to do this for quite some time now. The only pods I could find were singles. I know you can "stack" them but I'd rather modify a full length.
I'm going to use the "Defi-D" series temp. gauge but the one you have selected is excellent also.
What color is the pod? I can paint to match...but I'd have to locate a plastics/vinyl paint that was pretty close in color to the grey I have.
Please post back when you're done...I am very interested to do this also.
__________________
Flintknapper:
'97 Land Cruiser, Moonglow Pearl
Chocolate Lab (Kota), I miss you.
ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (come and take them)
|
|
|
07-22-05, 04:05 PM
|
#18 (permalink)
|
|
Site Addict
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Deep East Texas
Posts: 2,257
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rookie2
(not sure what should go in the other slot for a non-superchargered setup), Rookie2
|
VDO makes a "head temp." gauge for those interested. I'm going to put a water temp. and an hour meter in mine.
I'd like to keep track of engine hours vs. miles driven for purposes of maintenance.
__________________
Flintknapper:
'97 Land Cruiser, Moonglow Pearl
Chocolate Lab (Kota), I miss you.
ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (come and take them)
|
|
|
07-22-05, 04:58 PM
|
#19 (permalink)
|
|
You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PRK
Posts: 11,727
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by MH_Stevens
e9999 has told us several times that a PDA with software connected to the OBDII port is the best route and after much research I belive him to be right. I'm asking him again here what software will do this job.
|
already answered that I think, and a quick googling will give you various options, just tried the other day myself.
The cheapest one I've seen is this BR-3 thing IIRC but that is probably only RS232. There are several PDA options out there too. I didn't look at those. Prices seem to range from $99 to $300 for reasonable looking combos.
Obviously, having a laptop in the cab is not the best way to keep an eye on the temp while driving, but the versatility of these packages is very tempting, can display and plot all sorts of numbers.
__________________
'97: 89K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, see Classifieds for SnT, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!)
'03: 112K, the better half's...
DD Accord
souped up DR650
|
|
|
07-22-05, 05:29 PM
|
#20 (permalink)
|
|
northerner
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: north of 49
Posts: 4,221
|
flintknapper, what is the single pod model you have?. I tried a couple of acrua pods and the local place and they were nowhere near fitting.
__________________
93 fzj80
66 fj40L
m101cdn trailer
91 LS400 sedancruiser
64, 2x65 honda ct 200
67, 2x68, 3x69, 72, 75 Honda ct90
83 Honda ct70
48 Ferguson TE20
"Diplomacy is the art of having someone else impose your will on you" Lester Pearson
"I have the conch" Piggy
wfc 4812-2635-4880
|
|
|
07-22-05, 06:14 PM
|
#21 (permalink)
|
|
ThinkTank Waterboy
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston MA
Posts: 12,528
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by sactocruiser
Kerosene or Rapid Tap for aluminum is preferred for tapping and cutting Al. I've never heard of using alcohol.
I spent quite a bit of time in machine shops.
|
Picked this up at Gerber Systems. A high end manufacturing company. I thought it a little strange at first but it works incredibly well. I also mist any aluminum I might be cutting with a hacksaw or drilling a hole in.
Cheap lubricant, try it some time.
__________________
Rick Bigelow
'96 215k
Groveland MA 01834
If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes
|
|
|
07-22-05, 07:11 PM
|
#22 (permalink)
|
|
250+ Club
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Aguanga, California
Posts: 542
|
Thanks e999999 - here's the link
http://obddiagnostics.com/
__________________
Cheers,
Mike Stevens, Palm Desert, California
'97 FJZ80 "Collector's Edition" Black 132K miles with 3 hub caps
|
|
|
07-22-05, 09:43 PM
|
#25 (permalink)
|
|
Site Addict
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Deep East Texas
Posts: 2,257
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by semlin
flintknapper, what is the single pod model you have?. I tried a couple of acrua pods and the local place and they were nowhere near fitting.
|
Autometer makes a Land Cruiser specific pod, but offers it in a single only.
Cost is about $21.00
www.egauges.com is just one source.
__________________
Flintknapper:
'97 Land Cruiser, Moonglow Pearl
Chocolate Lab (Kota), I miss you.
ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (come and take them)
Last edited by flintknapper; 07-22-05 at 09:49 PM.
|
|
|
07-22-05, 10:23 PM
|
#26 (permalink)
|
|
Forum Lifer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,269
|
Hopefully this helps show the fit and finish of the dual pod once trimmed and formed. From what I understand, it is trimmed to fit the width of the pillar and formed to fit the indent in the handle. The indent was formed with a heated end of 3/4" diameter steel rod, again from what I understand. HTH.
__________________
97 FZJ80, Locked & Loaded, Safari Turbo, Safari Intercooler, Ceramic Coated Custom Exhaust, Ron Davis Racing Radiator, OME HD 2.5" Suspension, DBA Slotted Rotors, New Toyota Calipers All Around, Toyota Pads, 33" Revos, ARB Front Bumper, Center Diff Switch, Slee Stuff: Roof Rack, Step Sliders, Skid Plates, SS Brake Lines, DC Drive Shaft. HG PM'd, 9.5psi and climbing, My Rocky Mountain Mojo Mobile!
|
|
|
07-23-05, 12:35 AM
|
#27 (permalink)
|
|
You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PRK
Posts: 11,727
|
just started a thread describing how I made a "measure any temperature anywhere for cheap" system. Used it to measure my coolant temperature. Very versatile (and cheap  ).
__________________
'97: 89K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, see Classifieds for SnT, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!)
'03: 112K, the better half's...
DD Accord
souped up DR650
|
|
|
07-29-05, 07:52 AM
|
#28 (permalink)
|
|
250+ Club
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: opossum cove, fl
Posts: 490
|
how about connecting an aftermarket gauge to the stock temp sensor wire? or are gauges sensor specific?
__________________
1974 Pantera and something else I can't remember...
|
|
|
07-29-05, 07:54 AM
|
#29 (permalink)
|
|
250+ Club
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: opossum cove, fl
Posts: 490
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by MH_Stevens
|
would be cool to have this screen hooked up to a touch screen double DIN stereo. anyone seen such a thing?
__________________
1974 Pantera and something else I can't remember...
|
|
|
07-29-05, 03:13 PM
|
#30 (permalink)
|
|
OHV Trail Patrol
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 3,249
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by whodat
how about connecting an aftermarket gauge to the stock temp sensor wire? or are gauges sensor specific?
|
Good question- I think you would have to disconnect the factory gage, but does anyone know if this will work?
__________________
Chad - Cascade Cruisers
KE7VSA - MetalTech
FZJ80 - 37's, lifted, locked, geared, cut and dented.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bugsnbikes
Dewd- You would bend those spindles if I tucked them into the passenger seat  You are a candidate for a bobbed 80----not a high clearance bumper. 
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
|
|