Aftermarket Temp Gauge

[SIZZLE]

I have an '87 4Runner SR5. The temp gauge didn’t work when I bought it. Like many, it goes right to normal operating temp regardless of engine temp. I took the cluster apart, inspected the gauge and cleaned up all the terminals and grounds. It worked for a couple weeks, but now it only works randomly. I'd like to have a more accurate and reliable gauge so i'm going to install an aftermaket gauge and put the sensor in the factory location. I plan on putting the gauge next to the clutch start cancel button.

I've narrowed it down to this gauge and adapter. Will these work? Is there anything else I need or should keep in mind? Looks pretty straight forward, but i've not done this before and always appreciate the wisdom of Mud. Thanks in advance for any help.

Bosch-Actron FST7573: Metric Adapter Kit Includes: M10 X 1.0 to 1/8" NPT | JEGS - https://www.jegs.com/i/Bosch-Actron/885/FST7573/10002/-1

2-1/16 - https://www.autometer.com/2-water-temp-100-250-f-elec-auto-meter-cobra.html

 

[pappy]

Suggestions.

First, pillar gauge pod.

Gauge Pillar(Triple) - 84-88 P/U & 85-89 4Runner

Most older Toyota trucks had some pretty basic gauges (speedo, tach and fuel gauge). This doesn't work too well if you want to keep a close on on the 'heartbeat' of your engine. Most drivers want to see water temps, oil pressure, charging voltage, air/fuel mixtures etc...

www.lceperformance.com

Second. I believe on the 1987 manifold there are two places where you can use a temp sensor. Obviously, where the dash sensor is. But, next to that on the manifold is an allen-head plug. It's the same thread as the temp sender. Of course you would need a metric to 1/8" adapter, but you will need that anyways. Here is mine. Note I switched locations.

 

[chesshircat]

Suggestions.

First, pillar gauge pod.

Gauge Pillar(Triple) - 84-88 P/U & 85-89 4Runner

Most older Toyota trucks had some pretty basic gauges (speedo, tach and fuel gauge). This doesn't work too well if you want to keep a close on on the 'heartbeat' of your engine. Most drivers want to see water temps, oil pressure, charging voltage, air/fuel mixtures etc...

www.lceperformance.com

Second. I believe on the 1987 manifold there are two places where you can use a temp sensor. Obviously, where the dash sensor is. But, next to that on the manifold is an allen-head plug. It's the same thread as the temp sender. Of course you would need a metric to 1/8" adapter, but you will need that anyways. Here is mine. Note I switched locations.

View attachment 2690330

Does the stock sending unit do anything other then give a reading to the guage? My manifold, an 87, doesn't have the allen plug below it. I removed the stock unit and that is where i mounted the mechanical sending unit. I just rebuilt the motor and haven't started it yet

 

[pappy]

Does the stock sending unit do anything other then give a reading to the guage?

I run the aftermarket gauge with the dash gauge. They both work.

 

[msahr]

I run the aftermarket gauge with the dash gauge. They both work.

Yeah it's what I did as well. The factory temp and oil pressure gauges don't seem to last. I have an 85 4runner and a 86 pickup - they both have faulty temp gauges. I put in the A-pillar housing and it works really well. No hacking up that increasingly-valuable dash, the pillar pod is easy to install and the gauge is in your line of sight. If the color being wrong bothers you, a can of plastic-compatible spray paint from a auto paint store (not the hardware store, that paint is for plastic chairs and the like). Good luck!

 

[SIZZLE]

Suggestions.

First, pillar gauge pod.

Gauge Pillar(Triple) - 84-88 P/U & 85-89 4Runner

Most older Toyota trucks had some pretty basic gauges (speedo, tach and fuel gauge). This doesn't work too well if you want to keep a close on on the 'heartbeat' of your engine. Most drivers want to see water temps, oil pressure, charging voltage, air/fuel mixtures etc...

www.lceperformance.com

Second. I believe on the 1987 manifold there are two places where you can use a temp sensor. Obviously, where the dash sensor is. But, next to that on the manifold is an allen-head plug. It's the same thread as the temp sender. Of course you would need a metric to 1/8" adapter, but you will need that anyways. Here is mine. Note I switched locations.

View attachment 2690330

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, I don't have that second port on my '87. I will have to use the stock one.

I'm considering the gauge pod, but not sure I want it in my line of view. I'm still thinking about it. I have an idea for mounting the gauge I referenced. I don't want to hack up my dash, but I think i can make it look pretty good. I ordered that gauge and once it comes, I'll test some ideas out.