temp gauge replacement

[jsomedaysoon]

i got a temp gauge from advanced i wanted to put in my truck before we take it out friday. it looks pretty strait forward but i was wondering if anybody had any suggestions before i get into it. as always suggestions and tips and even opinions are apreciated!

 

[gatorbronco]

I made a small hole in the firewall and ran my water temp wire and my oil pressure copper tube through this hole. I used a small rubber grommet which was designed to fit into the hole so the wire and tube wouldn't rub against the metal. This seemed to work great. Then, I mounted both gauges underneath the ashtray and angled towards me. I personally didn't like the look of gauges just hanging out on top of the dash. I'm pretty happy with this setup and it looks pretty clean. The ashtray is still accessible and you can see the gauges still when it's down. It does get a little cramped in there when you're making all of the final connections, but it's definitely doable.

 

[jsomedaysoon]

cool, the one i got looks like a copper wire encased with a coil of some other type of wire. i'll still see what i can find to keep it from rubbing in the hole. i hadnt thought of that. when routing the new wire across the engine to the hole do i have to keep it away from other hot things so it doesent throw off the temp reading or does that matter?

 

[gatorbronco]

I'm pretty sure that most temperature units are basically sending units. They measure the temperature at the point where they ***** into the block and then send the signal to the gauge with an electrical signal. Otherwise, the temperature wouldn't be as accurate as the air temp fluctuated in your engine compartment. So, it shouldn't matter how you route it as long as you keep it away from the headers and any moving parts.

 

[crazyhorse85]

That'll work or for alittle more you can go with a-pillar trim with gauge pods already built in for a little cleaner look....and they just about eye level...but do use a grommet if you cut a new hole through the firewall...sometimes there is just enough room in the grommet where the main harness comes through the firewall to run the leads through...just a thought.... >-

 

[jsomedaysoon]

cool, i'm pretty sure i found where the factory one was it looks pretty simple.... just to be sure though isent the normal operating temp about 195?

 

[gatorbronco]

Depends on your thermostat...they usually run from 165-195 or so. In the city during the summer I'm usually right around 195, or 210 if I'm REALLY stuck in traffic and not moving. This is just with the stock fan though.

 

[jsomedaysoon]

this sucks i dont have a drill bit big enough to get the thing through the fire wall. i guess i'll have to run to ace. i've got a new thermostat for it but i'm not going to put it in this weekend. i'm just going to do the temp gauge for now and see what i'm dealing with as far as over heating issues.

 

[jsomedaysoon]

i got the hole drilled in the fire wall today and i'm trying to get motivated to go out and finish this thing haha. i was just looking at some aftermarket fans on summit and i didnt realize there were so many options. clockwise rotation and counter clockwise rotation?? whats the difference? is one better than the other? i did a search for a bronco so they should all work with my truck. they also had different sizes. i guess i'm limited to what will fit inside my shroud.

 

[miesk5]

i got the hole drilled in the fire wall today and i'm trying to get motivated to go out and finish this thing haha. i was just looking at some aftermarket fans on summit and i didnt realize there were so many options. clockwise rotation and counter clockwise rotation?? whats the difference? is one better than the other? i did a search for a bronco so they should all work with my truck. they also had different sizes. i guess i'm limited to what will fit inside my shroud.

Want to save some $ and do this?

Installation, Lincoln in an 83 by our pal here, SEABRONC

Installation, Taurus 3.8 in an 86 (scroll to his various sub-topics) Source: by Sixlitre

other el fan install Links in my site (we're going to a new host to save some $$ and issues with current Host's unannounced changes) http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=186

also for future wire/vac line etc routing, and I assume you have an auto tranny for my memory of your past posts, look at clutch Blank cover where clutch pedal rod/etc should be on firewall and use it to rout or remove it and cut out section with smaller bit/snips and use a grommet

more locations here location pic by Froggman;

such as speedometer cable grommet, under passenger side carpet "inlet"..." http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/505654/...ze/100_3374.jpg

 

[jsomedaysoon]

i think i found that hole for the clutch but it was already full of other stuff and i didnt want to force this sending unit through there. it wasent that big of a deal to drill that hole. the fire wall was thiner than i expected it to be. but now my issue is that i've got this thing hooked up just like it should be and i'm not sure its working right. i turned on the truck and let it idle for about 30 mins. it took forever for the gauge to even budge then it only made it to a little over 150 degrees. i havent got the chance to run it up the road yet but it seems like 30 mins of idle should have been enough to get it up to normal temp. if i'm right normal temp should be around 195 or so. i guess i'll see what happens when i get it out driving around some.

 

[miesk5]

i think i found that hole for the clutch but it was already full of other stuff and i didnt want to force this sending unit through there. it wasent that big of a deal to drill that hole. the fire wall was thiner than i expected it to be. but now my issue is that i've got this thing hooked up just like it should be and i'm not sure its working right. i turned on the truck and let it idle for about 30 mins. it took forever for the gauge to even budge then it only made it to a little over 150 degrees. i havent got the chance to run it up the road yet but it seems like 30 mins of idle should have been enough to get it up to normal temp. if i'm right normal temp should be around 195 or so. i guess i'll see what happens when i get it out driving around some.

you can test it b

ok, guessing #1 = the thermostat is bad and stuck in open position which is a "fail-safe condition:" that is better than failing and staying in closed postion.

Thermostat Test

To check thermostat action, watch the coolant through the radiator neck. When the engine is cold, coolant should not flow through the radiator. When the engine warms, the thermostat should open. Coolant should begin to circulate through the radiator. If this action does not occur, the thermostat may be defective.

There are several ways to test a thermostat. The most common is to suspend the thermostat in a container of water together with a high-temperature thermometer (fig. 6-16). Then by heating the container on a stove or hot plate, the temperature at which the thermostat begins to open, as well as when full open, can be determined. If the thermostat fails to respond at specified temperatures, it should be discarded. Specifications vary on different thermostats. For example, a thermostat with an opening temperature of 180

 

[jsomedaysoon]

i went to replace my thermostat today and realized my torque wrench has gone missing. how important is it that you torque the bolts on the thermostat housing? can i just put them a little passed snug or what.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

i went to replace my thermostat today and realized my torque wrench has gone missing. how important is it that you torque the bolts on the thermostat housing? can i just put them a little passed snug or what.

I never used a torque wrench on them.

A little passed snug would work for me. Just keep em evenly snugged, and if it leaks... a little more.

 

[jsomedaysoon]

right on thats what i thought. i'm devoting the rest of the day to the truck so we'll see how it goes.

 

[jsomedaysoon]

wow that bottom bolt was a pain to get to! that was the hardest part. it seems to be working though. no leaks so far either. hope i didnt just jynx myself. haha thanks as always for all the assistance