Aftermarket water temperature sender location

[Panici]

I want to add an aftermarket VDO water temp gauge, but also retain my factory gauge (even if it doesn't work very well).

Where is the best location to install an aftermarket coolant temperature gauge probe? I know it has to be IN the coolant flow.

Upper rad hose adapter would only work after the T-stat opens, correct?

I would think the T-stat housing would be ideal?

These two "bolts" in the top of my Tstat. Are they removable? Can I just thread an aftermarket sender in there?
Anyone know the thread pattern?

[jalopi]

http://garagistic.com/index.php?page=m20-thermostat-housing---throttle-body-heater-delete

Looks like they're either 12x1.5 or 14x1.5

[Panici]

Will they both have access to coolant before the T-stat opens?

Also, are they deep enough for a temp sensor?

[Panici]

I've done some searching, and it looks like Spec30 guys sometimes use those spots in the T-stat. Apparently it's an early cooling system provision, for ETAs that have four(?!) temperature sensors.

I ordered a VDO Vision Black Temperature gauge kit, and it includes a 1/8" sender, with adapters for M12x1.5 and M14x1.5

When I get the parts and install on the car, I'll update this thread for future reference!

[Panici]

Update.
Got the Water temp gauge installed.
I believe it was the M12x1.5 adapter that I used. Unfortunately they were not labeled.

It's not the cleanest install, but when I add my oil pressure & temperature gauges, I'll be redoing the wiring.

I ran the sender wire along with the factory harness, and under the intake manifold, with the factory coolant sensor wiring.

[jalopi]

Please go to your local hardware store and get a nut that'll screw onto that sensor. Then get an eye connector to bolt onto it. Please

[Panici]

Please go to your local hardware store and get a nut that'll screw onto that sensor. Then get an eye connector to bolt onto it. Please

I don't think I can bolt anything on top of the sender.

This is what the top contact looks like.




I agree that there should be a better way of connecting wire to it, I'm just not aware of the connector I need.

[nando]

female spade connector will work

[jalopi]

Lol that's pretty dumb, thought there'd be a stud there.

Wouldn't a spade connector be a little insecure though? I mean, it's not the most important gauge in the world and if it stopped working you'd immediately know where to look... there's gotta be a better connector for it.

[Panici]

Lol that's pretty dumb, thought there'd be a stud there.

Wouldn't a spade connector be a little insecure though? I mean, it's not the most important gauge in the world and if it stopped working you'd immediately know where to look... there's gotta be a better connector for it.

I agree, hopefully there is something better I can use.

The spade connector is pretty secure on there, but it sure does look unsightly.

[jalopi]

well as long as it works that's the important thing, right?

so how's all that gnarly rust coming along?

[Panici]

well as long as it works that's the important thing, right?

so how's all that gnarly rust coming along?

Are you referring to the black '86 325e I was attempting to save? I ended using it as a parts car, the floors are too far gone.

There's a little rust on my '87 325is, but it's NOTHING compared to the other car!

[jalopi]

lol, so no "spring perch rusting off the trailing arm" levels of rust?

so how much do you guys salt the roads up in canada land? i know alot of other countries don't salt nearly as much as 'murica. people are expected to not suck balls at driving in inclement weather and have winter tires. the only thing i can think of to explain that other car is if you bought it immediately south of the border

[Panici]

lol, so no "spring perch rusting off the trailing arm" levels of rust?

so how much do you guys salt the roads up in canada land? i know alot of other countries don't salt nearly as much as 'murica. people are expected to not suck balls at driving in inclement weather and have winter tires. the only thing i can think of to explain that other car is if you bought it immediately south of the border

It was this car that had the spring perch centers rust away. I attribute that to the shitty factory undercoating that just traps water and salt, not to mention blocking all the drain holes. Makes it rust in odd places and not at all in others.

There's so much salt and deicer in this area (southern ontario) it's not even funny. Because of the lake effect coming off the Great Lakes, we get hammered with snow and storms.

In the spring the roads are literally white until they clean them all off. And piles of salt along the roads/in the gutters/on the shoulder of the highway.

[nando]

Lol that's pretty dumb, thought there'd be a stud there.

Wouldn't a spade connector be a little insecure though? I mean, it's not the most important gauge in the world and if it stopped working you'd immediately know where to look... there's gotta be a better connector for it.

no, it works fine. never had one come off.