Mechanical Water Temp Gauge

KQQLCAT · November 7th, 2007, 06:57 AM

I am trying to install a water temp gauge in my 61 394 and there appears to only be one spot to put it. I would like to keep the original temp sensor in. Has anyone got any ideas? I don't want it to look stupid. They must make a "T" fitting that allows you to do this.

Thanks
Pat
61 Olds 2dr sedan

442Harv · November 7th, 2007, 07:27 AM

Doesen't it use just regular pipe threads? If so, you should be able to buy a T and make it work.May stick out to far, and be in the way off something, or look funny?

KQQLCAT · November 7th, 2007, 08:58 AM

Regular 3/4 pipe thread. I can find pipe fittings that will work but the look Mickey Mouse. The instructions on the Summit gauges show an adapter but I can't find one.

joe_padavano · November 7th, 2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQLCAT

I am trying to install a water temp gauge in my 61 394 and there appears to only be one spot to put it. I would like to keep the original temp sensor in. Has anyone got any ideas? I don't want it to look stupid. They must make a "T" fitting that allows you to do this.

Thanks
Pat
61 Olds 2dr sedan

A "T" fitting will NOT work. Unlike an oil pressure sender, the temp sender must be in the flowing coolant. A "T" fitting will be stagnation point and will not be representative of the actual coolant temperature.

Oldsguy · November 7th, 2007, 02:27 PM

Would there be some un-used bungs in the front water crossover that he could use? I am not familiar with the 394 manifold but can remember that there are some on 455s depending on how many additional "valves and/or sensors" are or are not used.

Modern Motoring · November 7th, 2007, 06:18 PM

there is a petcock on the right hand side of the block. You might be able to adapt something to that hole.

Olds64 · November 8th, 2007, 02:10 PM

I suggest you install the new coolant temp sensor in the spot where your old one is at. If you want to keep the functionality of your HOT / COLD dummy light then all you have to do is go to Radio Shak and get a simple logic circuit. You would need a circuit to apply ground or 12V (whichever was switched by your old sensor) to your original temperature lights based on the voltage of the new coolant temp sensor. It sounds complicated but you should be able to find something like that at Radio Shak or on the internet.

joe_padavano · November 8th, 2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

I suggest you install the new coolant temp sensor in the spot where your old one is at. If you want to keep the functionality of your HOT / COLD dummy light then all you have to do is go to Radio Shak and get a simple logic circuit. You would need a circuit to apply ground or 12V (whichever was switched by your old sensor) to your original temperature lights based on the voltage of the new coolant temp sensor. It sounds complicated but you should be able to find something like that at Radio Shak or on the internet.

Go back and read the title of this thread. The aftermarket temp gauge is a MECHANICAL gauge, not an electric one. Not gonna find a lot of help at Radio Shack...

November 7th, 2007, 06:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
KQQLCAT Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hudson, WI Posts: 102	Mechanical Water Temp Gauge I am trying to install a water temp gauge in my 61 394 and there appears to only be one spot to put it. I would like to keep the original temp sensor in. Has anyone got any ideas? I don't want it to look stupid. They must make a "T" fitting that allows you to do this. Thanks Pat 61 Olds 2dr sedan

November 7th, 2007, 02:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Would there be some un-used bungs in the front water crossover that he could use? I am not familiar with the 394 manifold but can remember that there are some on 455s depending on how many additional "valves and/or sensors" are or are not used. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

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November 7th, 2007, 07:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
442Harv Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 119	Doesen't it use just regular pipe threads? If so, you should be able to buy a T and make it work.May stick out to far, and be in the way off something, or look funny?

November 7th, 2007, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
KQQLCAT Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hudson, WI Posts: 102	Regular 3/4 pipe thread. I can find pipe fittings that will work but the look Mickey Mouse. The instructions on the Summit gauges show an adapter but I can't find one.

November 7th, 2007, 06:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Modern Motoring Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 138	there is a petcock on the right hand side of the block. You might be able to adapt something to that hole.

November 8th, 2007, 02:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	I suggest you install the new coolant temp sensor in the spot where your old one is at. If you want to keep the functionality of your HOT / COLD dummy light then all you have to do is go to Radio Shak and get a simple logic circuit. You would need a circuit to apply ground or 12V (whichever was switched by your old sensor) to your original temperature lights based on the voltage of the new coolant temp sensor. It sounds complicated but you should be able to find something like that at Radio Shak or on the internet.