Hi, I've been wanting to install a water temperature gauge. I just want to know how you guys are manage to get a reading without removing the stock temperature sensor?

 

My Autometer came with a sender that I mounted in my water pump housing just below my thermostat.

 

Sorry to bring back a post from the dead, but is there already a hole there for it or did you all tap something in there? If there is a hole, what has to be removed for it to be put in?

 

Theres also a hole below the oil filter I could use for this?

Is that what sends the signal to the stock gauge?

 

Well, I know for S4's that there is usally a bung with some sensor in it on the neck above the water pump.
It is on the inner side(facing firewall). A little to the left of the Alternator.
Tip: Take the Alt off to get easier access.

It is a temp sensor used for an optional electrical fan.
Both my 88 SE and GTU have the sensor but no fan so I just used that bung for the new sensor. I just had to get a bung adapter kit from checker.

Watch out though! If they are brass they will shear quickly! don't apply alot of pressure tightening it. Just teflon tape it and put it on snug.

 

That one one the engine block should be the stock sensor for your gauge. Don't mess with that one. You'll end up screwing something up.

If you don't have that bung then either drill one yourself.

I think it's on the neck and not something else like block or water pump might be wrong though.

 

The sensor for the aux e-fan is on the back of the water pump housing.

 

Thanks.

 

You can use the stock sensor gauge location under the oil filter. I used this one for my greddy water temp gauge and it worked fine. But then again i kept the stock sensor working by putting it into a different spot

 

Since the stock gauge will be redundant anyway there's no reason why you can't replace the stock sender with the one for the aftermarket gauge (if it fits). Mazda obviously think it's the best place for a coolant temp gauge so that'd be my prefered location. On S4's it's on top if the thermostat housing; on S5's it's on the back of the water pump housing below the ECU's thermosensor.

 

Well, Why would you want a dead gauge on your cluster? Why not replace the one for a usually non existant part?

 

Who cares, you won't be looking at it. The aftermarket gauge is to use instead of the stock gauge. That's why you're putting it in. The temp switch is not "usually non-existent". Many FC's had electric fans.

 

Well...I think Ill use the stock location anyways. My stock oil pressure gauge is already dead, so why not kill the coolant temp too?

 

Most actually have the E-fan?
That's wierd. Both my 88's don't have the fan but have the sensor and wiring. I thought it was a less common thing.

I don't know where my 88 SE is from but I believe my 88 GTU is from West Virginia or North Carolina ,can't remember. I heard that the E-fans were usually installed in Hot weather areas when sold.