Water Temp Gauge Install Help Needed

[87 HJ60]

I have a 1987 HJ60 with a 2H engine and I want to install an aftermarket water temp gauge to replace the stock gauge.
I have an Autometer elecetrical water temp gauge. My problem is how do I, and where do I install the Autometer temp probe in the engine. At first glance I was going to remove the stock temp sensor and refit it in that location. However the threads on the engine aren't the same as the ones on the new temp probe.
Is there another spot where I can install the temp probe?
Help......

 

[amaurer]

The Autometer threads won't match any of the threads on your engine (with one exception); your engine is BSPT while the gauge is NPT. In some cases it will appear to fit well, but in fact the pitch is different and you're just causing something to yield (generally the fitting, not the block, but its a risk all the same).

The exception is the large 1/2" NPT bushings your kit came with - you can use these with BSPT without an adapter. Look on top of your head, next to the valve cover, there should be two threaded plugs - one towards the front, one towards the firewall, both will have square (4-pt) heads - these are 1/2" NPT. Get a big wrench, pull the plug, install the sender in a 1/2" bushing.

 

[87 HJ60]

Unless I didn't look close enough, on my engine those two threaded openings are being used. The front one has a temp sensor(?) installed in it. The rear opening I believe is the return for the rear heat return line.
Did I look in the wrong areas of the engine? Also does anyone know what the sensor in the front is used for? It's not the temp sensor for the factory temp gauge as that's on the driver's side of the engine towards the front.

 

[pathfinder_88]

I tapped right into the top of the thermostat housing for mine...was very simple and seems to be accurate.

 

[87 HJ60]

Do you have a picture of exactly where you have your temp sensor. I thought about tapping into the thermostat housing but figured the sensor would bottom out on the thermostat(??).

 

[pathfinder_88]

I will try and grab you a pic here in the next little while. The sensor was quite stubby from what I can recall.

 

[87 HJ60]

Just to refresh an old thread.
Any pictures of your water temp sensor install?

 

[rideglobally]

water temp gauge - where to install?

same question for the 12th. pictures please.....

 

[gswest]

Same issue here

I've ordered a new thermostat and when it comes in, I'll determine if the temp sensor will fit in the housing without bottoming out on the thermostat. That seems to be the best option unless a sleeve is placed in the upper radiator hose with a fitting to accept the probe.

 

[bigbrowndog]

I have an electrical gauge in the thermostat and fitted a mechanical gauge in the top Radiator hose using this fitting in the picture.

 

[gswest]

Nice! I wonder where I can get a piece of pipe thick enough to drill and tap. Is that soldered on or welded? Or JBWELD maybe?

 

[bigbrowndog]

Nice! I wonder where I can get a piece of pipe thick enough to drill and tap. Is that soldered on or welded? Or JBWELD maybe?

Cheers, I think you can buy this made up from JEB or Summit if I remember correctly. My piece was made out of ordinary copper pipe the plumbers use and my son soldered it in either with silver solder or weld [can't remember now]. It was done 3 or 4 years ago and I did post it up on here. You can see straight away when the theremostat opens or if the coolant is low. I noticed this before I replaced my radiator cap. Regards

 

[87 HJ60]

I may be wrong and correct me if I am, but with the temp sensor in the upper rad hose you won't see any temp indication until the thermostat actually opens. Is that correct?
That's why I wanted to install the sensor on the block somewhere, preferably in the stock temp sending unit location but the threads of the Auto Meter temp sensor I have doesn't thread in there.
And I still can't find any info on BSPT !!! I'm not a plumber or pipefitter....

 

[bigbrowndog]

LOL You must have tried very hard. Any Pirtek, Enzed shops there?
Hydraulic Hoses - Canada - Suppliers of Hydraulic Hoses on Kellysearch

 

[87 HJ60]

Never heard of any of those places. Like I said I have no experience working with threads, pipes, etc., etc...
Even looking at catalogues or charts of different threads is useless to me because I have no idea what size/thread hole is on the engine where the stock sending unit is....

 

[bigbrowndog]

Never heard of any of those places. Like I said I have no experience working with threads, pipes, etc., etc...
Even looking at catalogues or charts of different threads is useless to me because I have no idea what size/thread hole is on the engine where the stock sending unit is....

amaurer
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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The Autometer threads won't match any of the threads on your engine (with one exception); your engine is BSPT while the gauge is NPT. In some cases it will appear to fit well, but in fact the pitch is different and you're just causing something to yield (generally the fitting, not the block, but its a risk all the same).

The exception is the large 1/2" NPT bushings your kit came with - you can use these with BSPT without an adapter. Look on top of your head, next to the valve cover, there should be two threaded plugs - one towards the front, one towards the firewall, both will have square (4-pt) heads - these are 1/2" NPT. Get a big wrench, pull the plug, install the sender in a 1/2" bushing.

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Re Read this thread from above, he may carry your piece you need, see link below his advise.

Otherwise take your gauge and truck and go to a hydraulic hose fitting/repair shop and ask or any shop that stocks pipe fittings.
Ask where you bought the gauge from?
By the way my gauge reads by the time I get to the top of my street,:whoops: but I live in the tropics LOL. Goodluck.

 

[gswest]

Jegs and Summit has the hose adaptor

After struggling to remove one of those head plugs for the temp sensor, I'm ready to concede defeat. Jegs (plastic) and Summit (aluminum) do in fact sell a rad hose coupling that has the NPT fitting installed. It's specifically designed for the temp sensor. I ordered it today for $46.00 delivered. One of the members mentioned that the front plug available on the head may not have enough clearance for a temp sensor anyway. I would have been pissed if I killed myself trying to get that plug out only to find it wouldn't work, but it wouldn't be the first time!

 

[amaurer]

After struggling to remove one of those head plugs for the temp sensor, I'm ready to concede defeat. Jegs (plastic) and Summit (aluminum) do in fact sell a rad hose coupling that has the NPT fitting installed. It's specifically designed for the temp sensor. I ordered it today for $46.00 delivered. One of the members mentioned that the front plug available on the head may not have enough clearance for a temp sensor anyway. I would have been pissed if I killed myself trying to get that plug out only to find it wouldn't work, but it wouldn't be the first time!

I do seem to remember using my biggest wrench, with a 3' cheater bar, and practically lifting the engine out of the truck doing squats with the bar on my shoulder.

 

[gswest]

I can't get any leverage on that plug and was actually cosidering grinding it down so I could get a socket on it. I probably would have cought my truck on fire.......Not a easy thing for a fireman to explain.

 

[87 HJ60]

Can you post a picture of this plug that you're removing?
I want to see if it's the same one that I said was being used for another water temp switch on my 2H.