Water Temperature Gauge

J

James A

New member
I added an aftermarket water temperature gauge under the dash of my Model A. I mean the type with a probe stud which I installed in a hole in the water inlet connection on the side of the block. It looks good but it's not working. Why not, I wonder? Could it be that it's made for a pressurized system and the Model A is non pressurized? That's the only reason I could think of.
 
It will work on any engine, any cooling system. That's not your problem.

You say it does not work. What does that mean? It never shows the engine getting warm?

You have put it in the "cold water line" that goes from the bottom of the radiator to the engine inlet. This water will leave the radiator close to the temperature of the outside air.

You don't say where you live, but I'm guessing it is winter there and cool. So this temperature gauge will not get very warm this time of year. In the summer it should read up around 90 degrees or so. It does not tell you the temperature of your engine, though. You need to instal it in the water outlet on the top of the engine, above the water pump, to get the engine temperature.

Let us know what happens.
 
Remove the probe from water inlet, heat up some water to boiling on your stove, take the pan to your A and stick the probe in it. Should read the temp of the water. This will tell you if your gauge is working, and your issue is as Jim above describes.
 
A gauge works much better when installed in the water outlet. That tells you the water temperature as it leaves the block. Not after being cooled by the radiator.
 
Here is an example of a Water Outlet you can purchase that makes mounting the probe easy.


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I have found a lot of gauges do not read correctly. Check the gauge with a pan of hot water and a digital temp or regular gauge that you use for cooking. You may find a difference.
 
If you test the guage as outlined above and it doesn't show a reading, maybe you have cracked the tube running from the probe to the guage. If that has happened, go and buy a new one and be careful with it.
 
I used a motor meter for years. and it worked ok in the day light, on the long trip this year and running in temperatures of 112 f out side. Model A`s do not like pulling long hills. she got hot a few times, so when we got back home I put a temp gauge in the 160A and I will run with a gauge from now on.
 
Know this does not answer the question, but old Henry said something like this: "if it boils over, you know it is hot. Don't need a gauge"
 
monto said:
Never posted an attachment: first try !
Click to expand...



Thanks, I like that. Saves some greenbacks if you or someone you know has the tools for drilling and tapping the hole. Had not thought of this, was warned not to try modifying my existing outlet neck Too thin and they can crack or break.
 
Everyone is putting up posts for "James A" about his problem and he hasn't even checked back to see the results. I guess he's real busy.

 
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