80 series Coolant temp, ScanGauge vs external gauge? (1 Viewer)

[stvrn6]

I just got done overhauling my coolant system on my new to me 97 fzj80. I have been using a regular obd scanner for water temp and its just to much of a hassle so i decided i buy a external gauge. I see alot of people are running ScanGauge 2 and i was wondering how accurate that is for water temperature, is it accurate enough that i don't need to run a external gauge directly plugged into the water hose? Is anyone running a ScanGauge3? if so please post pics on how/where you mounted it. If the Scan Gauge is accurate enough id be happy to go with it. The ScanGauge 3 just looks better (imo) and has alot more features, Would love to go with this option considering its not much more for all the extra features (230$ vs 135$) but worried about placement.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

I just got done overhauling my coolant system on my new to me 97 fzj80. I have been using a regular obd scanner for water temp and its just to much of a hassle so i decided i buy a external gauge. I see alot of people are running ScanGauge 2 and i was wondering how accurate that is for water temperature, is it accurate enough that i don't need to run a external gauge directly plugged into the water hose? Is anyone running a ScanGauge3? if so please post pics on how/where you mounted it. If the Scan Gauge is accurate enough id be happy to go with it. The ScanGauge 3 just looks better (imo) and has alot more features, Would love to go with this option considering its not much more for all the extra features (230$ vs 135$) but worried about placement.

the hottest place on any inline TOYOTA 6 cylinder engine is cylinders #3 & #4 they only have coolant jackets on 2 sides ,

1 , 6 3 sides

2 and 4 benefit from 1 and 6

i would locate in dead center between 3 & 4 , but NOT close to exhaust manifolds

get a splitter or T / Y for the factory Port for the OBDII ...


this is a start ...


AUX cooling fans are nice too ...

 

[jjdeneen918]

The ScanGuage reads directly from the OBDII port. It’s consistent, I’d say it’s accurate.

I have a stand alone temp gauge as well.
(JRP 14in1). The sensor is in the outlet tube coming off the head. It’s consistently about 4* hotter in temps.

Is either wrong, NO. They are just reading from different locations.

It’s more important to notice a rise, or creep, in the temp read outs than just the consistent numbers from a particular location.

 

[77mustard40]

Really love having the Scan Gauge living in central Texas and knowing temps are key on these trucks. This is from a recent 108 day.

 

[jonheld]

I see alot of people are running ScanGauge 2 and i was wondering how accurate that is for water temperature,

The "accuracy" of any OBD2 reader (scangauge/ultragauge/generic OBD2 plug with Torque) will depend on the sensors that feed the ECU.
Personally, I monitor coolant temps with an Ultragauge mounted on my dash. It has a small footprint and gives me all the useful data I need. Also keep in mind that the available data from these older OBD2 ECUs are somewhat limited. Whatever reader you decide to use will have more available "gauges" than the ECU will support.
In any case, what I look for is a change of temperature range over time as opposed to instantaneous reads of temp. I know the operating range of the OEM thermostat is 180F-203F, so as long as I'm within that range according to the OBD2 reader, I just go about my day.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I have a scan gauge and a aem temp gauge with sensor in the outlet of the head. It’s reads 3 degrees hotter. Temps usually 187 to 190 for day to day driving.

 

[stvrn6]

thank you guys! got a ScanGauge3 for 230! going to install tomorrow.