ECT voltage source?

[ninety15.0]

Hey guys quick question. I'm running an autometer electric water temp gauge and it came with its own sending unit so naturally i installed and wired that in. However there was a stock wire with a rubber cap/terminal that connected to the top of the stock sending unit. I dont have that stock wire hook up at all. It just chilling out in there. Is that wire where the computer gets ECT voltage or is there another way the computer gets ECT? thanks!

 

[jrichker]

The ECT sensor has absolutely nothing to do with the temperature gauge. They are different animals. The ECT sensor is normally located it the RH front of the engine in the water feed tubes for the heater. Do not tap into the ECT wiring unless you have at least a two year electronics degree and know how the computer works and the effects of circuit loading on the ECT circuit.

The stock water temp is the the driver's side lower intake manifold and has a single wire push on connector for the temp sender.

Alternate placement for a temp gauge sender: Use the heater feed that comes off the intake manifold. Cut the rubber hose that connects the manifold water feed to the heater and splice in a tee adapter for the temp gauge sender. Be sure to use the same water feed line as the ECT sensor. That way you will get the most accurate temp readings.

Tee adapter info:
Make a pilgrimage to your local hardware or home supply center and get some copper pipe and a tee that fits the temp gauge sender. Solder two pieces of copper pipe onto a copper pipe tee with threads in the tee part. Find the correct brass fitting to match the temp sender threads to the tee fitting.