Any info on installing ECT sender for aftermarket gauge?

yoda-g3 · 06-29-06, 05:14 PM

I have an extra gauge mount in the dual pillar I just modified. (Tranny temp in the other one.) I kind of want to do an ECT gauge to monitor engine temps. I figure with the turbo setup this would also give me a good idea on oil temps.

I havn't found any info on anyone doing this, so I'm wondering if anyone has, and what they did for sender location.

Thanks!

clownmidget · 06-29-06, 09:43 PM

Maybe you meant EGT (exhaust gas temp)? If so, George Scolaro has a short bit here (http://george4wd.taskled.com/scharger.html) on his site.

Also, most if not all of the gauge manufacturers will clearly identify where and how you should mount the sender. For EGT's the most common mount is a modified hose clamp that holds a "bung" in place. The alternative is to have an exhaust shop weld the bung in.

Congrats on buying that truck, it seemed to sit for quite a while

Dusty · 06-30-06, 09:03 AM

I put an autometer egt on my turbo downpipe about 6 inches from turbo. just weld in the bung and your done. pic of bung is in this mess turbo build
note that egt guages have different ranges. my guage only goes to 1600 degrees and I have got to 1450 so I'd get a gauge that does at leaste 1600 if I was you

yoda-g3 · 06-30-06, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownmidget

Maybe you meant EGT (exhaust gas temp)? If so, George Scolaro has a short bit here (http://george4wd.taskled.com/scharger.html) on his site.

Also, most if not all of the gauge manufacturers will clearly identify where and how you should mount the sender. For EGT's the most common mount is a modified hose clamp that holds a "bung" in place. The alternative is to have an exhaust shop weld the bung in.

Congrats on buying that truck, it seemed to sit for quite a while

I was talking about Engine Coolant Temp, at least it shows up as ECT on my OBD scanner, though I could easily be mistaken.

I know that my A/F ratio is pretty solid, so I'm not to concerned with watching the EGT. My bigger concern is oil temp and engine temp, to extend life of the turbo. It just seems like there is A LOT of heat under there just with daily driving it. I can't imagine what it would be like on the trails.

Or am I missing something? Is EGT a better way to go? I was kind of under the impression that watching your EGT was just another way to identify if you are running rich or lean.

Thanks for the help!

clownmidget · 06-30-06, 10:52 AM

Ok. My original post did include the possibility that you meant engine coolant temp. So just get a decent water temp gauge that goes up to 260-deg F and you can plumb the sensor into the upper radiator return hose as Turbocruiser did or tap and thread the second boss on your upper coolant neck coming off the DS front of the head. Here's a pic of mine but with just a brass plug in there while I get the rest of my crap in order...

yoda-g3 · 06-30-06, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownmidget

Ok. My original post did include the possibility that you meant engine coolant temp. So just get a decent water temp gauge that goes up to 260-deg F and you can plumb the sensor into the upper radiator return hose as Turbocruiser did or tap and thread the second boss on your upper coolant neck coming off the DS front of the head. Here's a pic of mine but with just a brass plug in there while I get the rest of my crap in order...

Sweet. Thanks for the help. So the one on the upper hose, is that something that just goes inline, or do you need a modified hose for it? I'm always nervous tapping into motors if I can help it.

Oh ya, I'm loving that 80. He was definitely asking too much at first. The only draw back is that I've always built my own stuff and never bought something already modified. I'm finding it a little annoyong not knowing EXACTLY how everything was done, which wires go where, etc. But as a package deal goes I couldn't pass it up.

I put black crawlers on a couple weeks ago, and I just put a modified valve body in two nights ago. I'm going to start a thread with my impressions on it after I drive it a little more.

clownmidget · 06-30-06, 12:02 PM

the authoritative thread (Adding coolant temp gauge?), post #73 shows turbocruiser's inline sensor. It requires you cut the upper radiator return hose.

the coolant neck is only held on by two nuts on two studs that are mounted into the head. Once your upper hose is off it's not really that hard to remove the upper coolant neck and drill and tap it or have a shop do it. It has a gasket between it and the head though you'll need to replace.

stlcruiser · 06-30-06, 12:15 PM

Greetings:

See for sale section.

Steve
94'
160,000

Beowulf · 06-30-06, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownmidget

the coolant neck is only held on by two nuts on two studs that are mounted into the head. Once your upper hose is off it's not really that hard to remove the upper coolant neck and drill and tap it or have a shop do it. It has a gasket between it and the head though you'll need to replace.

I don't know about you clown, but I had to remove the alternator to get to the front stud on the upper coolant neck. If you have a trick then post it up 'cause mine has to come off again due to a slight leak at that gasket.

-B-

clownmidget · 06-30-06, 01:16 PM

jeez, what's a little alternator removal...

yes, after looking at it more closely you'd need to remove the alternator - but the good news is if you've just replaced your headgasket it's already out of your way

Beowulf · 06-30-06, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownmidget

jeez, what's a little alternator removal...

yes, after looking at it more closely you'd need to remove the alternator - but the good news is if you've just replaced your headgasket it's already out of your way

And to remove the alternator the dizzy cap has to come off then the battery & battery box and ....

.... and while ya got the dizzy off would be a good time for new plug wires and while the alternator is out ya might as well install new brushes and put on new belts, replace the fan clutch, and the idler pulley... and since you're putting on new belts you might as well do the A/C belt and the tensioner. and since the battery is out it would be a good time to install those new military terminals you have on the bench and improve the ground strap and ....
(that's the way my projects go.)

-B-

Dusty · 06-30-06, 02:12 PM

I did the same thing as turbocruiser-cut upper hose, insert temp probe adapter and you are done. way easy