Electrical Gauges - Senders

[PCC]

Technical query ........

I've just purchased two Stewart Warner gauges (Water & Oil temps) for my x-mas present (wrapped up until the 25th)

I have a query with regards the senders bearing in mind I have a EFI 302.

As my existing water temp gauge does not work (cluster incompatibility issue), I will be using the existing sender point and hooking into the existing wiring - no probs

With regards my oil temp gauge I did'nt want to really drill a hole into say the sump so does anyone know whether there is likely to be a blank point I can use on the engine???

If not, how about I hook into the existing oil gauge wiring with my new gauge - possible or not??

If I do have to braze a new oil sender point where is the best place?

[Ralph_C]

Peter,

my oil pressure sender is behind the fuel pump sticking out the left side of the block (put a new adaptor in last weekend). May be possible to do a dual sender at that point (mine has fair bit of room around there) .. but then we may have different types of blocks - mine is a 4 bolt with lower water hose coming out to the right of the crank (left/right as viewed from drivers seat).

[ledge]

Peter
You can get "T" peices that would fit into where your oil pressure light sender is now and the you can put your light ender on one side of the "T" and your guage sender on the other .
Im not sure how much they are or how reliable but might be worth a look.

Paul

[davidlee]

Peter,

Don' t waste your time with the tee off of the sending unit idea. I have mine hooked up that way and it doesn't work. The oil temps are always real low because there in no oil flow over the sender.
I looked all over my block {351} trying to find a "good" port but with no luck. The only way to get an accurate oil temp is a fitting in the oil pan or if you have an oil cooler or remote filter in one of those lines.
David

[400TT]

I thought all late model EFI 302's have a fitting in the sump. I know our old 1992 model did.

Just buy a threaded fitting that oil temp sender will screw into, drilled out fitting in sump to correct size and silver solder or tap it for threaded fitting. Been so long ago I can't remember if you tap it or solder it in. I've seen Warrick Harrison do a few of these, maybe ask him at next club meeting or give him a call.

Also don't you need to get compatible senders to work with those guages. I know with VDO you need to get matching senders.

[PCC]

Craig (400TT):

The senders do come with the gauges - I was looking for an easy fix with an existing sender point.

The sump only has the drain plug and dipstick entry point so will have to drill and fix - just wondering if any position on the side of the sump is okay or does it have to be at a certain height so as to obtain an accurate reading?

[PCC]

Found this site on the net which recommends that you simply switch the existing oil sender for the new.

I suppose it saves drilling etc and who needs an oil warning light when you've got a super duper gauge

Oil Gauge

[400TT]

I thought you got much more accurate readings from sump.

Thinking about it doesn't VDO sell oil temp senders that screw and replaces sump plug.

[PCC]

Had thought about that Craig, but on a Cobra may be not a good idea as the sump plug is at the lowest point on the engine

[David Hodgson]

Originally posted by PCC


Found this site on the net which recommends that you simply switch the existing oil sender for the new.

I suppose it saves drilling etc and who needs an oil warning light when you've got a super duper gauge

Oil Gauge

Peter
If it is an oil TEMPURATURE gauge you have aquired you shouldn't disconnect any existing PRESSURE sender units, whether for a gauge or a warning light as you will loose all "no pressure" warnings.

By inserting the TEMP sender in place of the PRESSURE sender you will only read the temp of the surrounding metal you've inserted it into, as the oil gallery is a dead end and oil does not flow past in any great quantities.

To read TEMP it will need to be placed in the sump below half way. As Craig suggested adapting the sender into the sump plug hole would be a good and easy solution.

[cameron02]

Hey Peter,

Where did you get that gasket stuff you sprayed/put on your fuel tank? I think I might need some

[PCC]

I think its called Aviation gasket - pretty sure I got it from Supa Cheap - sticky as hell

Still got the vapours??????????

Easy fix - don't fill up

The stcky stuff should solve your problem - looks messy though

[BJ's Snake]

Hi guys
Premier Instuments sold me a dipstick that has sender built in for oil temp.Adjustable length and two wires in removable plug off the top. Hooked up to VDO gauges. cheers
Brett