engine temperature sensor question
 

i noticed that there are actually two engine temperature sending unit sensors one underneath the oil filter and one next to the thermostat housing. I was wondering if i can tap into either of these sensors for my aftermarket engine temperature gauge? I searched and found out about the first one but dont remember where the answer was, please help i'm trying to get everything put back together.

No. You need to buy the sender unit that was MADE for your aftermarket gauge. All senders are not equal. And the sensor on the back of the water pump housing is called a water thermo sensor and the one that is on the water filler neck is a water TEMP switch. Switch as in ON/OFF. But that is a fairly good place to install the water temp sensor made for your aftermarket water temp gauge. Not the very best place, but a good place. Accetable place is a good phrase.

can i tap into the wire that goes to that switch, which goes there( my sensor is a different pipe thread)

****can i tap into the wire that goes to that switch****

No.That's against the rules.The rules say it does not work like that. The aftermarket gauge you have was designed to advance the needle on it when certain resistances were seen at the sender. And only the resistances that they designed into the gauge/sender package. If you use a sender with different values at different temperatures than what the aftermarket manufacturer set it up for....then you'll get erroneous readings on the gauge.

Aw shucks. It just doesn't work like you wish.If it's a Autometer, you can get the sender unit from Pegauses Racing catalog or maybe SummitRacing.http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/

thanks for the info and the help

the one under the oil filler is for the stock gauge. the one on the back of the water pump housing is for the ECU.

you can take out the one under the filter and put yours there. most companys make adapters if it's the wrong thread.

In my case I would have to get an adapter to go smaller, to fit in the sensor under the oil filter.