Where do I go through the fire wall to hook up the OP and Temp to the block?

[garystocker]

I was thinking of cutting the rubber that the steering collumn goes through to put the tubing and grommet in

or maybe through the rubber grommet on the upper driver's side that has the harness going through it.

I can't see where to drill.

It it necessary to find a metal spot to drill the hole? 7/8" inch home to accept the temp sensor fitting is a huge hole!

 

[garystocker]

I should mention I am installing a pillar triple gauge mount and am 1/2 way done...

Just want to know where to drill through the firewall...and if you think my idea of going through rubber is good.

thanks

 

[DMAN302]

HOLD ON MAN!!! you run the wires through the grommet...from the gauge TO the sender (in other words you connect the sender..then pass the wire through and too the sender)...you don't punch a whale sized hole anywhere...pass only the wire through!!!

 

[garystocker]

Have you seen a temp gauge? On the opposite end of the gauge is a element which sticks into the coolant in place of the stock sender and it has a bug honkin' nut to secure it to the block. The directions say to cut a 7/8" hole for the nut to pass and they supplied a grommet to put in the firewall.

See what I mean, man?

 

[HISSIN50]

Derek is right, unless we are talking mech temp gauge. If so, I wimped out on the fox and did go through the steering boot myself. I tied the capillary tube up really well, so as to avoid all pedals and steering shaft.

You can use a stepped drill bit (unibit) to punch a hole if you want. I do have an aux hole near the clutch cable's hole.

As an aside, be sure to check that you have enough capillary tube to reach the sender location - if you have a 6' cap tube, it will be close.

Good luck.

 

[garystocker]

yes yes yes mechanical temp gauge! I did not even consider that an electric gauge would be as you describe! Sorry!

What if I run short?? I did notice the OP tubing is as long as the Mechanical water from gauge to element. (Looked like 6')

 

[garystocker]

I am happy to hear I had the same idea (to go through steering boot )as you did Hissin! I must be thinking correctly for a change!

 

[DMAN302]

yes yes yes mechanical temp gauge!

What if I run short??

Ok well in that case all I can say is find a nice steel cutting hole saw or prentice drill and have at it..but be careful. Sorry for jumpin on you there Gary!! Now to steal your thread for just a second..hey JT did you get a chance to see my post regarding my shock absorber install...once again that car has tried to jump up and bite me in the A$$...someday I'm gonna win...I hope.

 

[garystocker]

Thanks guys.

I have to say. You two are invaluable. Very helpful. You are both greatly appreciated!

I'm off to finish up. I'll let you know tomorrow how it all turns out.

Thanks for the prompt responses allowing me to get back to work before it gets too ungodly late!

 

[HISSIN50]

I am happy to hear I had the same idea (to go through steering boot )as you did Hissin! I must be thinking correctly for a change!

LOL bud - you know what's up.
I dont see the boot as ideal but it was easier than anything else at the time (in 115* heat, I was not about to be cute with the install or drilling holes). And it does work for me, so it should for you too.

I have my mech temp gauge on a side console on the fox, but on the '94 it is in the pillar. WIth the guage in the middle pod, I was short. With it in the bottom pod, I just made it (with 1/10" to spare). That was why I mentioned it.

Good luck.

 

[HISSIN50]

hey JT did you get a chance to see my post regarding my shock absorber install...once again that car has tried to jump up and bite me in the A$$...someday I'm gonna win...I hope.

Yeah D, I just saw it and replied real quick. Been there and done that, though normally it is on the shock's egress, not ingress. I can totally see it happening though.

Just know that you are not the only one who that stuff happens to. I have stories...........

 

[Car RamRod]

the idiots that built my car put the OP though the hole for the speedo cable, and punched a hole out for the water temp. Oh well

 

[garystocker]

Wtf

The mechanical temp gauge comes with a 1/2 " "mounting adaptor" and the directions say an "aftermarket adapter" is required on engines with a 3/8" hole for the sending unit.

Will a home depot have one? It's a brass fitting which is 1/2" on one side (I need 3/8) and the other side is a finer thread for the tightening nut for the element...

what do I do now?

 

[HISSIN50]

The mechanical temp gauge comes with a 1/2 " "mounting adaptor" and the directions say an "aftermarket adapter" is required on engines with a 3/8" hole for the sending unit.

Will a home depot have one? It's a brass fitting which is 1/2" on one side (I need 3/8) and the other side is a finer thread for the tightening nut for the element...

what do I do now?

It is no good. You will have to remove the gauge and I dont know........ send it to me immediately.

A parts store might have the dedicated kit (but for Sunpro or another brand of gauges), or the home store works too. Autometer sells the exact fitting needed (through Summit, etc) but it can be pricey that way.

Good luck.

 

[garystocker]

Funny.

All is working, but the adapter I need to mount the temp sensor is coming in the mail tomorrow...I have it tie wrapped up near where it goes and it was hot in the engine bay while I was driving so I could see the gauge works. I read 150*

Volt reading was steady at 13.5 and oil was 60 while cruising.

Do I use a socket to remove the temp sender and install the adapter?

Thanks guys

 

[garystocker]

Pics

Here is a pic...

 

[HISSIN50]

Gary, it looks great

I have had temp sensors dangling as underhood air sensors and they would read 130-170 as well.

I use a deep socket to remove the temp sender - it is not very big. Be real careful with installing the adapter - it is easy to crack them. Teflon tape/dope should do the sealing, not extreme tightness.

Good luck.