my temp sensor broke a coupla weeks ago, so i jerry rigged a el-cheapo temp guage up for my trip down south.
(just wanted to know if she was getting too hot or not)

My question is, i mounted the temporary temp sensor at the top of the radiator (there was a really rusted one there)...
will this give me an accurate reading of the temp?

i know it wont give a reading until the engine is hot enough to open the t-stat, but once its open and flowing, is this location good enough?

-Cheers

 

I've installed an aftermarket temp sensor in the old style aluminum T-stat housing. It also won't show engine temp until the Tstat has opened. I'm ok with it. People say that it's a better idea to have the sensor below the t-stat incase it sticks or something, but I've never had a problem with it.

 

well, i would say thats a pretty big reason wouldnt you?

 

Am I reading this right. At the top of the radiator! Thats not a temp sensor, thats the fluid level sensor. You can put one in at the drain plug at the bottom of the engine on the drivers side near the front. Its a hex screw.

 

Thats what Im planning to do with mine. My stock one works, most of the time, but I want a more reliable one.

 

ive heard of people tapping into the water pump housing. if i rebuild this motor i took apart, thats where im auto meter temp sender is going.

 

Yes, you can cut new NPT threads into the choke holder sensor thingie on the backside of the waterpump. Your choke won't hold its own anymore, but if you have an aftermarket carb (or a chokeless Sterling carb), it's not a problem.

I chose the t-stat cover for convenience since I also have a stock temp sensor and guage that work.

 

are you sure it a level sensor? (honest question)

coz the thing i pulled out of it looked a hell of a lot like a temp sensor.
what does a fluid sensor look like?

 

It is a fluid level sensor man. Trust us. Your original temp sensor is located almost directly south of your oil filter. Its very tiny. If your engine is dirty, you might miss it. Its up and to the right of your oil press sending unit if that helps any.

 

orsm.. thanks guys.

would it be worth moving it?

 

Is that a direct fit? Don't wanna tap the engine for a new fitting.

 

I'll let you know on monday I guess. LOL

 

Yep. It fit my autometer temp sensor real nice!

 

Very cool. I might try that!

 

I think those threads are BSP. They're close to NPT though. At least they look quite similar.