Rep Power: 0

I am planning to install a mechanical water temp gauge soon.

I will cut the top radiator-to-thermostat hose and install somekind of adaptor (like the picture below) to fit the temperature sensor.

hat is the inside diameter of this hose??? I don't want to disconnect it and create a mess to measure it!

I will try to custom-made my own adaptor with some aluminium piping...



EDIT: found it! 30mm (http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...=radiator+hose)

Thanks anyway!

anyone else have done it? special advice that I should know?

 
Rep Power: 425

DO NOT install a mechanical fluid gauge on a Street driven car. Use the electrical one. The mechanical one requires that you run a line into the car so the guage can read it..... you don't want hot coolant running under your dash. Mechanical gauges are for race cars without dashes, carpeting, interiors, etc..... and a leak can easily be found. Not to mention that 200 degree coolant doesn't feel good on your leg.
Also do not attempt to fab up an adapter unless you have access to a machine shop to make one. You need to thread the sensor into the fitting and insure it will not leak. Its not a guess, it takes some precision as it is a tapered thread form. I would buy the pre-made adapter unless you have the means to do it right. The adapter should only be about $30 anyways.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok thanks for the advice.

This is the reason why I was not going to install the mechanical oil pressure that I also have.

However my water temperature gauge doesn't require the coolant to run into the gauge. I think the temperature is measured with some kind of thermocouple. I cannot disconnect this wire from the gauge, but there is no liquid (well no engine coolant) running into this wire. So, I was thinking that it was safe... But, the problem is that this probe has only 6 feet, so I am very limited for the gauge installation!

well maybe I will just cancel this project, until I find electrical gauges...

 
Rep Power: 329

I'll take a picture of what i used, it was VERY cheap and fairly easy to make..... AFTER im done eating my fresh pizza

 
Rep Power: 329

Found these items at Home depot in the sprinkler section... Cost each was like $1.00 ish i bought 3 incase i messed one or 2 up. First one i made, see one with hole in it. I messed the pipe thread up a bit. But the second one worked perfect.



Here is the fitting installed. You'll notice i grounded the fitting. This was the hardest part of the fabrication. Started by drilling and tapping a hole for a small bolt. Then threaded it from the inside out!!! Then brazed the inside so it wouldn't leak



Prior to install i trimmed maybe .5" off each end because they were a bit long. Hope this helps.

 
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Good exactly what I was looking for.... no leak?

It must have take a all day to put the bolt from the inside of this piping!!!

 
Rep Power: 329

No leaks, not even a drop of coolant in almost 2,000 miles. The bolt is small, but it was a chalange

 
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What did youy use on the thread of the sensor and on the bolt to ensure that it is sealed? Teflon tape?

 
Rep Power: 329

Like i said the bolt i brazed it to the pipe on the inside so there is no way it will leaking being its just a standard thread. The brass fittings i used a teflon paste, but teflon tape will work also .

 
Rep Power: 425

There isn't really a need to ground the fitting.... the water is grounded by way of running through the block and there's not a need for the extra wire. I found that out through trial and error and a little misfortune. I grounded my first one and the wire at some point came out of the eyelet, with no change in the gauge accuracy. So there's no need to put the grounding wire in there. Water carries charge.

 
Rep Power: 329

Oddly enough i tested mine and it did change