Temp Gauge

tdlmomowers

tdlmomowers

Senior Member
Are any of you guys running temperature gauges on your Model A ? Where is the best place to plumb in the temp probe? I just think it would be a good idea to be able to monitor coolant temp before it gets too hot and boils off the coolant. What is normal operating temperature of a Model A ?
 
I run a temp gauge. I purchased from Snyder's the water outlet that bolts on the 2 front head bolts with the opening to screw in the sensor Part number A8251-BX for 30-31 along with the A8272 temperature gauge. Works great. If you have a 28-29 you would use the A8251-AX outlet.
 
I feel that a temperature gauge is a good thing. I think 165 degrees for summer is good. My gauge says 190 is in the danger zone. I got mine from either Brattons or Snyders, they are the ones that I buy most of my parts from. I use a temperature probe pipe that fits in the upper radiator hose. This is the least invasive way to go in my opinion. Heat rises and this puts the probe in a spot just before it enters the radiator where the cooling begins.
 
I posted a similar query a couple of days ago. Lots of good input. I suggest that you do a "Search" from the tab in the black (link) bar, at the top of the Ford Barn page.

I know that it can sometimes be a 'bit much' drowning in 'over information', but still, it often times pays good dividends, and can get you the information you want right away, without having to wait a few days for all the responses to get in.
 
DougVieyra said:
I posted a similar query a couple of days ago. Lots of good input. I suggest that you do a "Search" from the tab in the black (link) bar, at the top of the Ford Barn page.

I know that it can sometimes be a 'bit much' drowning in 'over information', but still, it often times pays good dividends, and can get you the information you want right away, without having to wait a few days for all the responses to get in.
Click to expand...

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144337
 
Here is a picture of mine. The probe goes right in the tank.

I just completed a trip to Puyallup (1600 miles round trip). I have a B engine without a thermostat. At an ambient temperature of 60 degrees the coolant temperature was about 145 degrees. For every degree rise in ambient temperature the coolant temperature goes up a degree. Thus at ambient temperature of 90 degrees the coolant was about 175 degrees. I also found that hills make a big difference. A steep hill can add up to 15 degrees to the coolant temperature. My maximum temperature was 189.7 degrees going up the steepest hill with an ambient temperature of about 90 degrees, 40 mph behind a big rig.

Bob
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Bob - By golly - now THAT is a great idea ! It is guys like you and your inventive minds, that will continue to make American great !

Can you tell us more about the fabricating of your 'Temp. Gauge ? I am sure you will have a wide audience.

- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif - Sunny and 65 degrees at 11 am.
 
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Just a note of caution. I found that my thermo gauge reads 12 degrees hotter than the actual temp. I talked to Steve at Bert's about it. He said the new temp gauges are not calibrated. He told me to send it back for a replacement gauge. I did not replace it as there was no certainty that the replacement would be any better. I kept the gauge and subtract 12 degrees for an accurate reading. I would urge folks to double check the accuracy of their temp gauges. JMO
 
I just installed the temp gauge in Dad's Coupe a couple of weeks ago, the probe screws into the side of the (aftermarket) water outlet.

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How accurate are the Motometer's? I have an old one that works? I guess I could double check with a food thermometer.
 
Bob Johnson said:
Here is a picture of mine. The probe goes right in the tank.

I just completed a trip to Puyallup (1600 miles round trip). I have a B engine without a thermostat. At an ambient temperature of 60 degrees the coolant temperature was about 145 degrees. For every degree rise in ambient temperature the coolant temperature goes up a degree. Thus at ambient temperature of 90 degrees the coolant was about 175 degrees. I also found that hills make a big difference. A steep hill can add up to 15 degrees to the coolant temperature. My maximum temperature was 189.7 degrees going up the steepest hill with an ambient temperature of about 90 degrees, 40 mph behind a big rig.

Bob
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motometer003.jpg
Click to expand...

Did you take a town car?
 
Bob, this is a very clever modification. A couple of years ago I wanted to measure the temperature on my Model T. I found on the internet a transistor made by National Semiconductor (LM34) and circuitry. I ran the two wires (24 ga.)from the sensor out the overflow pipe to a small volt ohm meter in the car. It was very, very accurate but only with the motor off! There was so much RF interference from the ignition, the reading was all over the place.

I assume yours is sufficiently shielded so it doesn't have this problem. If so, I will build yours, it is a perfect winter project. Thanks for posting your modification. Ed
 
I usually drill the back of the water neck and tap the hole, and I have also done the method below where I cut the top hose and used a section of pipe that I welded a bung into.

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Ed,

My original thought was to put the display inside the car. However the RF from the ignition cause the display to go nuts. I tried all sorts of shielding and wire routing but I was unable to eliminate the RF interference. That is why I put the gauge in the Motometer. It is far enough away from the ignition to eliminate the RF interference,

Also note that I use the thermometer that DOES NOT have auto shut off. The battery lasts about 9 months if left on all the time. The auto shutoff version will not work because you have to press the on button ever minute or so.

Bob
 
The picture in post number 18 is my 31 tudor. I bought the probe pipe from Brattons and no welding was needed. Thanks , Jason for the Purdy picture !!!
 
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