Mech Water Gauge Install (Bushing??)

[Dohc32vMarkVIII]

I just picked up my Autometer 2 1/16 Mechanical Water Temp Gauge, and wired it up, and started to route it through the firewall, when I came to a few problems. First, the tubing that comes with the gauge is too short to reach the bung on the thermostat when mounted on the a pillar (even though the 4 point plug on the thermostat on mine is impossible to get off!). Second, the blue anodized fitting included with the temp probe will not fit in the factory Temp Sensor location on the lower intake.

Now, I did a search and someone mentioned that the 1/2'' bushing would not work, that I needed a 3/8'' bushing. Where can I get one that works? And how do I get the blue one off, and the new one on?? (it looks like I would have to cut the line to do this) Browsing Summit, would ATM-2263 or ATM-2272 work? I really don't want to go through Summit, as $6 for the part and another $5 for shipping is complete BS. Where can I get one?

 

[Dohc32vMarkVIII]

Anyone? Today is my only day off, and I would like to get this squared away.

 

[HISSIN50]

I think one can get an adapter kit from parts stores, which will supply you with the proper adapter, in all liklihood.

You can toss the new gauge sender in the stock location and move the stocker to the stat housing (requires slight lengthening of the wire).

Sorry - dont know the exact size of that adpapter. Good luck.

 

[BLOWN 5.0 FOX]

I believe your looking for a 3/8" male to thread into the tstat female end, and the female of the fitting is also 3/8. Im sure you tried to throw the sender as is into the lower intake as is but there isnt anything to compress the sender down. So you need a special autometer part which is just $6 or so at any autometer distributer. The 1/2 is for chevy's gurrrr why should we have to pay!!! At any rate- good luck with that

 

[Dohc32vMarkVIII]

Does anyone have a part number that 87TTopGT and I could use? There are a few different 3/8 ones on the Summit website, which would be best? Sorry if I am being a pain, I just dont want to order it have it get here and not work. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[87TTopGT]

I found it! Local O'Reilly's has a kit for an Equus (looks like an Autometer knockoff) mech water temp gauge with several different adaptors for $6.89. Mine is installed and works great! I would guess Autozone etc would also carry it if O'Reilly's isn't indigenous to your area.

P.S.- Was the 3/8 fitting, thanks Blown and Hissin for a direction to go!

 

[HISSIN50]

Glad to hear you got it whipped. I have had to use those adapter kits from AZ, etc myself.

 

[BLOWN 5.0 FOX]

I still dont know why Autometer doesnt provide them with the kit, not everyone has a Chevy!! I guess they are just makin a few extra bucks....what else is new

 

[TheUser]

I just went through this yesterday. I was gonna call the local speed shop, but if O'Reilly has it....awesome.

Although, my instructions do mention the fact that I will need a 3/8 for a ford and even has the adapter part number.

The blue one stays on, it will actually thread into the intake directly (what I initially did), but you're supposed to have the other adapter too for some reason.

Additionally, I put the sender and "blue thing" through the firewall by cutting the boot around the steering shaft. I tried drilling the hole for the hood cable, but that took forever and I didn't get anywhere, so I looked around and found that boot I just cut like an X and shoved it through. Be sure you set up your gauge holder and everything first and stick that through the firewall last or you'll have to put it through and back 3 times like I did

 

[joelliott]

Ok Im about to get the same AM gauge setup. So you need a 3/8 to 3/8 in adapter 1 end male the other female? Why would you do this? Ist that just extending the intake plug outward???

Please someone clear this up cuz Im orderin in the next few days. Thanks
Joe E.

 

[Dohc32vMarkVIII]

Ok, I went to a performance shop here in Plymouth, picked up the 3/8'' adapter, and everything is set up and plumbed/wired, lights work, everything. I installed it into the stock hole on the intake.

BUT.............

I CANT GET A READING ON THE GAUGE!!!
It acts like it's dead, like there is not even a probe attatched to it. Lights up fine!!

HELP! THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!

 

[HISSIN50]

I would pull the sender and put it in a pot of warm water (be real careful and all that) and see if it registers temp. FWIW, on mine, it takes several minutes before the water temp reaches 130 (the lowest reading on my guage).

Good luck.

 

[Dohc32vMarkVIII]

Well, I drove it around rather hard for about an hour and a half, and all of a sudden out of nowhere, the needle shoots to about 170, and now it works. The damndest thing.

 

[HISSIN50]

it sounds like you have some air in the system which had to purge. Steam does not convey temps very well.

Good luck.