Water Temperature Gauge

[Ray A from PA]

I am considering adding a water temperature gauge to the cooling system on my Fordor. Is it best to add a water outlet neck with a hole drilled for the temp gauge or something else? Also how does the temp gauge strap that is placed inside look? Thanks

[fordfixer]

The new neck is the way to go. I have the gauge mounted under the dash. It is easy to read and looks nice. Jon

[Bruce]

I used the water inlet casting that Scalded Dog sells. It has a boss that is tapped for the temp probe. It makes a neat application, but it measures the water temperature as it leaves the radiator. Splicing the probe pipe into the water outlet hose (top of head to top of radiator) takes a lot of flex out of that connection. It also complicates use of a thermost -- if you are a believer. Some of the vendors sell an outlet that has a cast boss that is tapped for the probe. But the problem of routing the sender wire remains. It is very difficult to hide. That said, the exit mount does measure the temperature of the coolant when it is exiting the engine, which MAY be a more accurate read.
I did see a very neat setup at the Illinois Region's recent swap meet. Vince Scalabrino (I think it was on his table) had a short tube that was tapped internally and threaded externally with a set of precision jam nuts that squeeze tight in a hole drilled right into the radiator hose. The probe treaded into the fitting. It was a very neat deal, but you'd still have to route the wire along the top of the head from front to back of the engine.

[John LaVoy]

There is a thermostat housing that has provisions for water temp gauge available from Vintage Precision, (707) 745-6222 www.VintagePrecision.com this is a nice unit we reviewed it in the Model A Times in the Fall 2009 issue.

[Brian Philpott]

The temperature should be measured in the outlet line from the head to the rad. I use a water outlet casting with a tapped boss and route the sender wire along a radiator stay to the firewall. It looks tidy and is unlikely to get damaged

[Ray A from PA]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My 29 Leatherback and I want to thank everyone for the helpful information we obtained about the types of water temperature gauges used. We have selected a drilled water outlet (cast iron) and a gauge that ranges from 90 to 250 degrees. Therefore, measuring the temp prior to entering the radiator.

[Rowdy]

I like the position of this one, I hope it does not break when I put it back on. One problem I see about its position is if the radiator gets very low on coolant it will not be completely submerged in the path of the coolant. Also I am not sure the newer/ longer probes will mount all of the way seated without hitting the other side of the casting. Time will tell. Rod

[Tom from Drippin']

Another option.

[josh1331]

Now I am confused but its not unusual, the upper radiator hose is the exit for the water coming from engine and the lower hose is the returned cooled water ? Is that correct. I have the cast with a tapped hole for the lower radiator hose . If above is correct please let me know. Also, haven't put it in yet but what is the temp difference from upper hose vs lower hose? does anyone know? / thanks John

[Tom from Drippin']

Above is correct.

[Bill Goddard]

Ray,
Is that black trim around the windows or seal brown? And is the top black pebble?

Bill G

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

One more method.

Jim

[Bob Johnson]

Here is my first attempt at a temperature gauge. It is a digital meat thermometer which operates as a motometer. I have found that it measures the air temperature above the coolant and not the actual coolant temperature. After a long trip I stopped the car, left the engine running, and measured the actual water temperature by opening the cap and inserting a probe directly into the coolant. The motometer was reading 130 degrees and the actual water temperature was 160 degrees. I did try adding a wick to the bottom of the motometer which did wick the coolant up to the probe. But that did not help I still got a low reading.

In my next attempt I plan on drilling a small hole through the baffle and insert the meat thermometer probe through that hole. Thus it will be in direct contact with the coolant as it enters the top of the radiator. It will require a flexible water tight heat resistant wire from the bottom of the motometer to the probe. I am also looking for a smaller digital thermometer that will fit inside of a standard motometer.

Bob

[Ray A from PA]

Window trim is seal brown, top is black pebble (PPG) base, clear coat.

[Ray A from PA]

I made a wick and added it to the bottom of the probe on the motometer. I made the wick from a replacement wick for a kerosene heater and wrapped it in copper wire. It appeared to give me a good actual reading of the anti-freeze temp. But, then I decided to add the water temperature gauge.

[Model A Man]

Here is a picture of where i drilled and tapped for the temp prob. You can buy them already drilled and tapped

[Model A Man]

here is a picture of where i mounted the gage. the bracket i made is a piece of thin wall tubing with a tab welded that goes to one of the bolts that holds the woodgrain panel on

[denis4x4]

Here's another method if you're using a V8 water pump

[HoarseWhisperer]

Here is an NOS Boyce Moto Meter Temperature Guage, with the sensor bulb that inserts and clamps into the rubber radiator hose.

[Jim Parker Toronto]

I perfer the one from Vintage Precision, and unless you are in fine point judging, just run the wires where necessary. If you are truely concerned about the temperature of the motor, the routing of the wires is a secondary concern. The one from Vintage Precision will also allow you to install a thermostat. Bonus!!!