Recommended Location of Temp. Probe

[DougVieyra]

After 50 years of sitting on the shelf, I think I am ready to mount my original MotoMeter water temperature gauge in the Dunn Aristocrat Dash Panel that also has been sitting on a shelf in my garage.

My question is: which is the better place to install the probe bulb? Some like the new cast iron 'Goose Neck' Water Outlet with the hole already drilled and tapped. Others have put it in the rubber outlet hose that leads to the radiator neck.

Aside for the fact that the iron 'goose neck' cost considerably more than the rubber hose with inlet - which would give a more accurate reading ? Are there any other considerations I should be aware of ?

My own thinking is that the location, as regards the actual water temperature, does not really matter - both give much the same reading.
But what I also think, is that I might be better off with the probe installed in the hose, simply because it would be closer to the Radiator Support Rod that would be carrying the wire sensor, and that would reduce (only a little, I know) some risk of the wire sensor being 'under foot' while doing routine 'fiddling' in the engine compartment.

One other element into the question, is that I also want to install a thermostat in the upper water outlet hose. As the '28-'29 hoses are shorter than the longer '30-'31 hoses, I am concerned that the shorter hose of my '28 will not allow me enough room for BOTH the temperature probe AND the thermostat. Have any of you fellas with the shorter hose been able to fit BOTH thermostat AND the Temp. Probe into the hose?

I know that there is a valid school of thought that says 'Why bother, you don't need it". And while that is true, like so many of the things we do with our Ford Model a - it ain't about 'need', it is about 'want'. I have had these two items - Aristocrat Dash Panel and the original MotoMeter dash gauge - for so long, that I have been 'hankering' to put them into service for decades !

So, fellas, I would like to solicit YOUR thoughts on the matter of where to install the probe bulb. Any input would be appreciated.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

I know that there is a valid school of thought that says 'Why bother, you don't need it". And while that is true, like so many of the things we do with our Ford Model a - it ain't about 'need', it is about 'want'. I have had these two items - Aristocrat Dash Panel and the original MotoMeter dash gauge - for so long, that I have been 'hankering' to put them into service for decades !

Well said!

I'd go with the tapped neck and avoid any problems with the fitment near the thermostat.

[Pete]

I would put it in the side of the head near the firewall.

[CarlG]

The old saying goes "kill 2 birds . . . "

This puts the probe close to the block and ahead of the thermostat.
.
.

[Dave in MN]

I have used the new goosenecks with tapped hole and the short pipe hose insert for the probe with a the thermostat designed to fit in the upper hose. Both work well. So it's is back to you as to which you choose.
Good Day!

[Purdy Swoft]

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I also use the short pipe upper hose insert for the probe. I see no reason to run the risk of breaking an expensive tapped cast upper goose neck outlet. The short pipe is hardly noticeable and has worked flawlessly for me on two of my model A's.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Pete

I would put it in the side of the head near the firewall.

Yep, Pete, that's the BEST place & probably the hottest area. MANY flathead inline cars used that location.
It's a good idea to look at an old head, to "PLOT" the location.
Bill W.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by CarlG

The old saying goes "kill 2 birds . . . "

This puts the probe close to the block and ahead of the thermostat.
.
.

Too bad they won't work on a Riley.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

I always drill and tap the neck for a reducer, then screw in the sending unit. That sets the sending unit back so they can go in either from the side or the rear of the casting. I tape the cable to the upper rods and go in thru the junction box.

[John Spragg]

Hi Carl G, where did you get that special shorter l goose neck and base for the thermostat ? Looks great. John Spragg Australia.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by John Spragg

Hi Carl G, where did you get that special shorter l goose neck and base for the thermostat ? Looks great. John Spragg Australia.

http://vintageprecision.com/products...ing/index.html

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by John Spragg

Hi Carl G, where did you get that special shorter l goose neck and base for the thermostat ? Looks great. John Spragg Australia.

Mike beat me to it. Vintage Precision Products http://vintageprecision.com/products...ing/index.html

It works great, and also cures the "broken ear syndrome". Uses your stock length hose for both 28-29 & 30-31.

[Hitchhiker]

Thought I would link a picture with how I routed my gauge line with the drilled and tapped water neck

[Muttley]

I just installed the temp gauge in Dad's Coupe last week using Hitchikers routing, it looks & works great.

[Purdy Swoft]

Here is the one on my 31 tudor. No original parts are drilled.