Oil temp sending unit placement.

Robert Evans · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 10:23 AM

Where is the best location to install the oil temp sending unit...after the oil exits the engine before it goes to the oil cooler, or after it exits the cooler on its' way back to the engine?

Mine is now placed on the dual oil filter unit, after it exits the engine between the cooler. I'm in the process of relocating the filter unit and can easily change the oil lines now.

Thanks!

Richard Hudgins · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 10:41 AM

Hi Bob,

I do not know if your engine is a dry sump or wet sump.

However, in a dry sump engine the oil temp thermocouple should be located in the dry sump tank.

In a wet sump engine the oil temp thermocouple should be located in the oil pan.

It has been my experience that a thermocouple located in a flow area does not give reliable readings. This is probably due to heat exchange rates and boundry effects.

Of course, if you have a wet sump in your car, you probably do not wish to remove the pan to install the proper fitting. Therefore, you are better off in the filter location as is current.

This will give you the best reading as this would be the high temp side and after the cooler would be the low temp side.

Hope this helps,

Hank Dondero · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 01:41 PM

The temperature difference pan to inline sensor location is at least 40 degrees F. I know this from past experience. Last year the sensor was inline and the oil temp gauge was pegged well over 270 degrees F. This year sensor in the pan it ranges from 230-250 degrees F.

Also, info regarding oil temperature to bearing life also lists oil temperature as in the pan, assuming a wet sump engine.

Hank
FFR 1776

Robert Evans · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 05:04 PM

Thanks,...the temp sending unit takes a temp just after it comes out of the block on its' way to the filter. I do have a provision in the oil pan (wet sump, BTW) to attach something like the oil temp fitting, so I'll look into mounting it down there, if possible.

Richard Hudgins · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 08:23 PM

Bob,

I assumed that you had a dry sump system.

With a wet sump, where do put your feet?

Are you going with Chuck and group to Laguna next week?

Robert Evans · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2001, 09:55 PM

Richard,
Thanks for the help on the temp unit...

No, not heading to Monterey this time; went to Elkhart Lake a couple of weeks ago to see the Brian Redman Challenge and watch the serious guys bend some sheet metal. Monterey is great, but it is a parade lap compared to how they run their cars at Elkhart. Besides, Bentley is not my favorite marque.

Cal Metal, Bob "Snakeyes" Brzezinski, Jeff Karnitz, Phil Remington, and myself are headed to Goodwood in September, so that should be enough vintage racing for awhile....then there's always Coronado coming up too! We'll make it up there next year. Have fun, and bring back some pics!