Oil Temperature Sensor '48 Flathead

vespaholic

vespaholic

Senior Member
I searched here and the HAMB but can't seem to find an answer.
Could someone please tell me where an oil temperature sensor would be installed on a 1948 Ford Flathead?
I hope to be using an old SW gauge.
Below is a pic showing the gauge, cable & sensor.
Thanks in advance.
Tony
 

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The only place you can put it would be to T off one of the two ports in the back left of the block. It would take an odd fitting for that style sensor. Only other possibility would be if you had a canister filter I guess you could adapt it to one, but it wouldn't be true oil temp in block.
 
Depending on the size & versatility of the sensor head, you might consider putting it somewhere that'd be both inconspicuous and not require permanent engine mods. Somewhere inside the drain plug hole might be a good place to get creative. 8^)

Jack E/NJ
 
That's what I figured.
I could not find any factory hole to get to the oil.
I was hoping the sensor would fit in the hole on the side of the pan that would be used for the external oil canister but I think it's too big.
 
As suggested by Terry,OH you need a fitting in the pan. It needs to have a seat in the bottom so that the probe that "sees" the oil will be snug when the nut on the capillary tube is tightened. You must know size and TPI of capillary nut to get correct fitting.
 
>>>I could not find any factory hole to get to the oil.>>>

You mean the factory drain plug hole isn't big enough? That's a pretty fat sensor you got there! A drain plug drilled with a sensor hole and appropriate silver-soldered swage fitting oughta do what you want.

Jack E/NJ
 
I thought of drilling the drain plug and putting the sensor in there.
Just seemed a little 1/2-assed to me, having a wire sticking down from the oil pan.
I may look for a smaller sensor that will fit into the factory hole where the oil canister would connect.
 
I'd be kind of curious as to why you need the oil temp. I'd be surprised if it reached anywhere near the water temp. DD
 
OK, I'll tell you why but no laughing or ball breaking please. LOL
Constructive solutions would be entertained.
I'm working on a 1930 Model A speedster.
The dash is custom and has all working vintage SW gauges with the exception of a non-working ammeter.
The car has a 1 wire alternator disguised as a generator which I will be keeping.
I've read on here and the HAMB varying discussion about hooking an ammeter to an alternator enough so that I'm not comfortable with doing it.
So I'm looking for something that:
A) Matches my existing gauges and
B) Fits the 2 5/8" hole in my custom dash.
C) Functions and
D) Is hopefully of some value
I found a 2 5/8 SW Oil Temp gauge so I thought I would see if I could hook it up easily.
I could get a vac gauge but I see less value in that than the oil temp.
Suggestions?
I'd hate to resort to a clock!
 
V8COOPMAN said:
I'd be kind of curious as to why you need the oil temp. I'd be surprised if it reached anywhere near the water temp. DD
Click to expand...

I think that I took an IR heat gun to the oil pan once, and I think I concluded that it was not much of an issue...

Karl
 
Your picture shows a mechanical gauge and the probe on the capillary tube has to stay on, it cannot be removed and changed to a smaller one. Even if you did drill the oil pan plug you cannot just drill through, it needs a seat at the bottom of the hole for sealing. For starters it would not be a bad idea to boil some water and test that gauge to see if it works, the capillary tube looks like it has seen some rough handling.
As far as oil temp or vacuum I'd vote for the vacuum gauge. The vacuum gauge will show much more than oil temp- Bad or sticky valve, weak valve springs, late timing, an intake leak and a whole lot more. Even driving by the gauge could save you money, you want to tip into the throttle and keep a high vacuum reading for best economy.
 
If you want an oil temp, you can shoot it with a heat gun. If it was me trying to fill in the hole, I think the vacuum gauge would be more use. JMHO.
 
Honest answer, and I figured some such reason. Personally, I agree that the vacuum gauge would be mucho-more useful. DD
 
Ok that's great info.
Aesthetic thing…I guess a bit.
But if that was 100% I'd leave the non-functional amp meter.
Vacuum sounds like a good play.
Where would you connect it?
 
Is this a V8 or a 4-banger? On V8's the oil does get plenty warm, not like the gauge is going to be bottomed out. Lay your arm on the oil filter on a hot day after a good run, you'll see what I mean.
 
This is the motor….
 

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