Connecting underdash temperature guage.

On their GS/GSX...Is anyone still running the factory gauge/light sending unit, and an aftermarket underdash Guages?

If so, how are you discreetly installing both temperature sensors on the engine?

I want to keep my stock sending unit installed, but also like having more accurate Stewart Warner gauges under the dash.

 

Why are you concerned with the installation being discreet? If you have gauges, it is obvious the engine compartment will not be completely stock.

If you instead meant to use the word discrete, then a 1/8" NPT brass tee at the oil pressure port will serve the purpose.

 

And DEFINITELY do NOT use any nylon line; It is too fragile. Go with copper line, or better, use an electrical sender and gauge.

 

Coolant temp is the topic, probably limited sensor location options on the stock intake due to being an AC car, I'm guessing, since heater valve uses the port at the rear.

Devon

 

I have a "Tee" for the oil pressure gauge, and it is fairly concealed and works fine.

This is a non-ac car, and I didn't think there was a fitting on the back of the intake in a coolant passage. I will need to look at that, again.

Thanks for the input.

 

Trying to recall...even non-AC may be using that port for the heater core. I'm spoiled with aftermarket intakes which have more water jacket taps than stock. If memory serves, you may have a thermo vac switch on the left front of the intake, just behind the distributor cap. If so, the TCS (transmission controlled spark) that's controlled by that switch isn't necessary, that port then becomes available.

Have a read through https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/gauges.197307/

Devon

 

Thanks Devon. Alot of good info in that thread.

 

I used the intake manifold port where the ported vac switch used to be for the WT sender.

 

Larry,

Thank you for your input. I think having the underdash gauges is more important than an in-dash 54 year old gauge, and I spent alot of time and resources finding the correct vacuum tree, so I probably will just go with the underdash gauge.

thanks everyone for their input!

 

There's another way. There are temperature senders that provide an output for an electrical aftermarket gauge and a contact to plug the dashboard warning light wire to. So, you can use the original port for temperature and leave the TCS sender in place. I had this setup on my last GS with a VDO gauge.

Here's the sender I recall I used. It's for a 250 deg electrical gauge and provides a contact closure when temp reaches 230 deg for the warning light.

https://www.partdeal.com/vdo-250f-1...Tv4UwAHYxhJl0s-hMxVnaaVqTFcibDfoaAmrDEALw_wcB

 

Nice! Glad to see this.

Devon

 

I will definitely look into this.

 

I know this sensor works with 250 deg. electrical VDO gauge. You'll have to confirm that it may also work with Steward Warner gauges.