Triple Gauge Sets for 68 FJ40?

[VA Mountain FJ40]

I want a set of 3 gauges I can use to monitor oil pressure, water temperature, and volts (or amps) — under the hood initially to verify the new engine build, then install under dash afterwards.

My F engine build has new 1968-correct electric sending units (per SOR) for water temp and oil pressure. Remanufactured ‘new’ 45 amp alternator and new OEM Toyota external voltage regulator on the sparky side.

Almost all the aftermarket electric triple gauge sets I find come with their own water and oil sending units (with NPT thread adapters which I believe are not compatible with my F head anyway).

I’m not convinced all oil pressure and water temp senders are the same. Not sure output voltage ranges are the same, etc.

I want to use my new, already installed, FJ-specific oil pressure and water temp senders. Can someone recommend a known reliable triple gauge set that will operate reliably using the stock F engine electric oil and water sending units?

Just a known quality 2” gauge supplier that will work with the OEM senders?

I’d love to hear from someone who has sorted out aux 3 gage set using the OEM sensors. (Either ammeter or voltmeter OK for my charging info.)

Thanks for any thoughts…

Chip

 

[charliemeyer007]

I use a direct read oil pressure gauge into the hole where the OEM sensor was. I made a bracket to mount gauge on the steering wheel housing. I use fuel line to cover oil tube from back of gauge to engine side of fire wall; if tube breaks I don't get a face full of hot oil. Been there since about 1985. OEM sender and gauge are crude at best, which is why I went direct read.

When my 30 alternator goes I'm doing a GM one wire in the 90-140 A range and I'll do a voltage meter. Maybe an Amp meter on the wire.

I think you can get adapters for the Toyota size BSPT to US what ever you want. Or you could put your gauge set sender for water temp into a threaded into say a "T" in the radiator, bypass, or heater hose.

 

[Pighead]

Just a known quality 2” gauge supplier that will work with the OEM senders?

Probably not going to find one off the shelf.
For oil pressure I insist on a mechanical gauge, electrical are notoriously slow to respond. You can plumb one in with a Tee and use your stock gauge as well.
I've got 3 water temp gauges because that's important too, stock gauge and 2 aftermarket.
How many threaded holes do you have in the head for senders?

 

[sogncab]

There's lots of holes in that block and oil filter housing to get readings from.

Just my opinion, I'd run both.

I'm sure with a pile of resistors and enough patience you could make the factory senders work with new gauges. I'd question the quality of the toyota senders when new.

 

[VA Mountain FJ40]

This helps already. The answer I wanted wasn’t the answer I needed. So busy worrying about OEM sender compatibility I completely ignored other sensible approaches… multiple senders to multiple gauges, for example.

Aaand the light comes on. Maybe a little D’oh on the side. Going at the problem the wrong way.

OEM electric senders go to OEM cluster gauges as Kiichiro Toyoda’s build intended. Additional sending units go to aftermarket gauges as my build requires. Including choice of sender.

Now I understand why all the trusted name triple gauge clusters use mechanical sending units for the most accurate oil pressure readings. And why I was having hard time finding corresponding electrical gauges that didn’t have consistent accuracy ratings. <dope smack> Thanks yall.

I’m going back to the engine with a fresh perspective and look for places to tee or tap in additional oil and water mechanical sending units for the good reliable gauge sets available. I bet I even get some hints for likely alternatives.

Thanks for a fresh approach, and thanks for helping me understand the advantage of mechanical gauge input over rudimentary electrical resistance inputs.

Time to stick my head under the hood and look for alternatives!

Chip
VA Mtn FJ40