DIY Engine Temp Sensor/Gauge for 12HT (or any engine really) (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Dec 13, 2010
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Location
Langley BC
I've been struggling for years on how and where to install a secondary Engine Temp Sensor/Gauge on my 12HT.
We all know that the stock Toyota Landcruiser Temp gauge is a little flakey.
Many people suggested to tap/splice into the top hose but I was very hesitant to do so since it's not really at the engine and is dependant of the thermostat opening to get a real reading.
Not to mention cutting a perfectly good hose and the possibility of more leak points.

Over the past couple years I've been playing with Arduino boards and I came up with a simple solution.
It works very well and is very close reading to what the engine is doing without having to "tap" into anything.
Only cost me around $30.00

Please have a look on what I came up with:

Arduino Nano: Arduino Nano - https://store-usa.arduino.cc/products/arduino-nano?selectedStore=us

OLED Screen: OLED 128x64 Pixel, I2C, 1.3 inch, SSD1306 SH1106, 3-5V - https://www.universal-solder.ca/product/oled-128x64-pixel-i2c-1-3-inch-ssd1306-sh1106-3-5v/

Waterproof Temp Sensor: Digital Temperature Sensor DS18B20 - Watertight - 1 Wire Interface - 3 Meter Wire - https://www.universal-solder.ca/product/digital-temperature-sensor-ds18b20-watertight-1-wire-interface-3-meter-wire/

Layout: http://flyballequip.com/upload/53161/documents/01621C1A5A462F62.pdf

Code: http://flyballequip.com/upload/53161/documents/EF2BF0919013C77B.rtf
Or: http://flyballequip.com/upload/53161/documents/440AE0567FA9526B.doc

I hope this inspires you!

Mike

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Here is my simple, cheap, accurate and very effective option. I am even able to see when the thermostats open. The thread pattern is the same as plumbing parts and T sold in bulk at hardware stores


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This is annother solution, I think that it is quite "clean" and was not too difficult to built.

 
Thanks fellas, I like simple, easy and cheap! I am going for brass plumbing as it is pwretty and bold.

In' Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance' Pirsig had an important argument with his buddy who insisted on ome bmw brand aluminium handle bar shim. Pirsig got frustrated blue that they could just cut up the beer can they were drinking in their hands and it would be just as good as ome bmw or toyota or any brand aluminium shim...

I love my toyota, but don't always need toyota parts religiously.

Must admit too, love my aussie watchdog engine guard which is a digital thermocouple which bolts directly to the head on my good troopy.
 
This is annother solution, I think that it is quite "clean" and was not too difficult to built.

^^^This. Post #2. The yellow circle. Just attach the two wires from your gauge to the
terminals. Use whatever gauge you want. I also ran a dual fitting on the red circle for secondary
oil pressure gauge. Easy. This is the gauge I use. They are very accurate and have great sensitivity to
changes.

 
Hi Cruiserpilot,
it is interesting that you can use that stock sender unit for an auxilary gauge.
Was it per chance reading true or did you calibrate the gauge ?
 
I just used generic tiny spade connectors. I remember just switching terminals to get it
to read. The gauges read fine once they had power. I don’t recall which power source I used.
 

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