I have the Autometer electrical water temp gauge installed in my car.

I remember that another HT user had the temp signal tapped off the stock temp sensor and I also did the same. The peculiar problem is that when I click the key position 1, the needle pegs and when I click to 2, it's fine. Anyone know why it would peg on click 1?

 

I think you're talking about me, as I tried to tap into the stock sensor for oil pressure and water temp.

They don't work with the stock sensors. At all. Period. You need to use the supplied sensor that came with the gauges. I'm using the Sport-comps, but they're all the same.

I put my water temp guage in the hole for the air release on the top radiator hose. It won't go in the hole as-is, as the sensor is too deep for the hole, so you'll have to buy a 1/8 brass coupler and screw it into the hole, then screw the sensor into that.

It pegs because it is grounding itself out, and thinking that it is at max temp. It will damage the guage if you do it enough...

 

Well, the gauge seems to read temp when the car is in operation. I am getting about a tad over 165 when cruising and up to 195 when I'm in traffic or on hot days. 195 is also when my fan kicks in and the temps start to drop. Are these the right temps for a B18C1?

Would you have a pic of this temp sensor install? Thanks for the help.

 

I don't have a pic of the install, as my digital is down for a while...

I'm surprised it's working at all, as mine didn't. I guess you're luckier than I am...

The temps sound about right, but it depands on your thermostat, and your radiator a lot. You should be good to go with those temps...

 

All I can tell you is, I know what the mapping is on Autometer (ohm signal to displayed temp) and it is not close to the ohm mapping of the stock sender. If you just want guages that look pretty, your setup is fine, if you want something that actually works, use the correct sender.

 

Ideally I want something that works due to cooling problems in the past. But I have yet to find a good solution of mounting and installing the temp sender to get an accurate reading. I found this solution to hookup to the stock sender from one of the ht members but apparently it isn't working correctly since it pegs out.

I've seen people tap the release valve for the sender where the exit is at the top radiator hose. I've seen people make a custom pipe with a welded bung for the sender. I'm trying to find an easier method without all the tapping and fabrication and hacking of hoses. Anyone out there with a nice clean way?