coolant temp gauge sensor install, what size thread is stock sender?

[missionsix43]

Ok.. I was planning on putting my coolant temp sensor (autometer) into the location where the stock cluster sensor is (single prong sensor on the coolant neck)... I figured it was 1/8 bspt BUT, its not.. it looks like 3/16, but since I have to order the adapters and such online, if I could get some sort of confirmation that would be great.

Also, it would be BSPT, correct?

EDIT:

actually, i think that sensor is M12x1.5 ... like so... this is an autometer adapter for 12x1.5 to 1/8 npt... BUT, confirmation would be good, thanks.



pic of gauge for views..


Modified by missionsix43 at 5:24 PM 12/25/2006

[float_6969]

I had trouble with mine as well. The problem was that the threads were SOOO close to the same size that I couldn't find an adapter that would read the temps right. The problem I ran into was that the sensor was so far up away from the coolant due to the adapter that it was very slow to react.

I ended up drilling and tapping a new hole.

[missionsix43]

I had trouble with mine as well. The problem was that the threads were SOOO close to the same size that I couldn't find an adapter that would read the temps right. The problem I ran into was that the sensor was so far up away from the coolant due to the adapter that it was very slow to react.

I ended up drilling and tapping a new hole.

what brand ? the autometer sender is rather lengthy, it should still be inside the coolant neck

any word on the thread size? im gonna see if m12x1.5 is correct tomorrow (with a spare wheel stud)

.. i COULD tap a new hole.. where exactly did you tap the new hole? i have a 1/8 npt tap i used for my egt sensor... and isnt the coolant neck where the sensors are located actually a part of the manifold? i dont want to put it AFTER the thermostat, it wouldnt be very accurate until the thermostat opened up.

[float_6969]

It's an autometer sport comp. Maybe it was my adapter, it wasn't an autometer adapter.

I don't remember the thread size. I've got a sensor back at the shop I could measure if you NEED it.

The hole I tapped was right in that same area as the stock gauge and ECU senders. That's a pretty open area and it's all before the thermostat.

[missionsix43]

well i ordered the autometer adapter that i believe is correct..

m12x1 to 1/8npt

i compared the sender to a m12x1.5 wheel stud, and the threads are finer... hopefully 1 is correct because they do not have a 1.25 one.

ill have it in a few days, so ill let you know if it is correct and then it should be added to the FAQ

[240 Trainee]

Hey man, what suze guages are you running? I am planning on making a similar setup to run til I can afford an aim sports/ Stack cluster, and it's easier to ask than measure myself, lol.

[missionsix43]

greddy 60mm egt, 2 5/8, 3 3/8, 2 5/8, 2 1/16

i would go with all 2 1/16, or 60mm so you can fit the tach + 4 larger gauges, i have an fuel gauge that was supposed to go in the 2 1/16 area, but it will not fit...

[float_6969]

I'd like to know. IIRC I think you're going to be disappointed in your adapter. I hope for your sake I'm wrong. It's been a while since I messed with it, but I remember having problems with it. That's why I ended up just drilling and tapping a new hole.

[missionsix43]

I'd like to know. IIRC I think you're going to be disappointed in your adapter. I hope for your sake I'm wrong. It's been a while since I messed with it, but I remember having problems with it. That's why I ended up just drilling and tapping a new hole.

ill will update when i get it.... autometer brand adapter with autometer sender should work just fine, otherwise i will return it and tap a new hole.. but, i do not use the stock gauge cluster so id rather just remove the sensor and put it there with an adapter

[The_Chosen_One]

I was in the same boat as you.

Unfortunatly Autometer doesnt sell the adaptor size you need because they are fools.

The correct size for that sensor is M12x1.25 to 1/8 NPT I know this because I purchased a Greddy adaptor which is for oil pans and fits that sensor location perfectly.

Unfortunatly the greddy adaptor only works with Greddy sensors as the autometer one is too big.

I dont know why your stud didn't fit most likely it wasnt the right size possibly a M12x1.5. But if you want to truly test it, take your oil drain plug out and screw it in that hole it should thread on.

If you like I can provide a pic of said adaptor, I still have the stock sensor in because I havent purchased a greddy gauge cause their a complete rip off but am forced to purchase one soon.

The greddy sensor should work perfectly as I'm sure its long like the coolant sensor next to the one your refering to.

Here is a link to said adaptor.

http://www.speedtechnique.com/....html

[missionsix43]

I was in the same boat as you.

Unfortunatly Autometer doesnt sell the adaptor size you need because they are fools.

The correct size for that sensor is M12x1.25 to 1/8 NPT I know this because I purchased a Greddy adaptor which is for oil pans and fits that sensor location perfectly.

Unfortunatly the greddy adaptor only works with Greddy sensors as the autometer one is too big.

I dont know why your stud didn't fit most likely it wasnt the right size possibly a M12x1.5. But if you want to truly test it, take your oil drain plug out and screw it in that hole it should thread on.

If you like I can provide a pic of said adaptor, I still have the stock sensor in because I havent purchased a greddy gauge cause their a complete rip off but am forced to purchase one soon.

The greddy sensor should work perfectly as I'm sure its long like the coolant sensor next to the one your refering to.

Here is a link to said adaptor.

http://www.speedtechnique.com/....html

crap... i thought it was 1.25, but yeah all they have is 1 and then 1.5

ill just compare it to the bolt i have which is the right thread, and return it if it doesnt match, but yeah i do think it is 1.25

i guess i will be tapping a new hole in the manifold between the existing senders

[float_6969]

There is now way that adapter will work. That thing is WAY too big. I think you're thinking of the ECU temp sensor. He's talking about the gauge cluster temp sensor.

[missionsix43]

There is now way that adapter will work. That thing is WAY too big. I think you're thinking of the ECU temp sensor. He's talking about the gauge cluster temp sensor.

the gauge temp sensor thread IS M12, i know it looks smaller, i thought it was going to be 1/8 bspt or something.

[The_Chosen_One]

No I was refering to the cluster sensor its a M12x1.25

The coolant sensor for the ECU is M12x1.75. Nissan enjoyed using wack thread sizes to make life more difficult.

Anyways are some pics I just took.

[missionsix43]

No I was refering to the cluster sensor its a M12x1.25

The coolant sensor for the ECU is M12x1.75. Nissan enjoyed using wack thread sizes to make life more difficult.

Anyways are some pics I just took.

and why doesnt the autometer probe fit in that ? Is the hole going through it too small?

[Sil40sK]

Sorry to threadjack but how's that short sweep oil pressure gauge working for you? I was contemplating getting one of those (as opposed to saving for defi, apexi, blitz, hks, omori, or high end autometers) but I've heard they're rather slow to respond since they arn't stepper motor and therefore by the time the gauge tells you something's wrong you're already screwed. I've never seen them in action and I'm going to be road racing this next season (since my car will finally be running) so I don't want an inaccurate gauge.

[float_6969]

yea, it looked way bigger in the original picture. The side by side picture made me realize what size it really was.

[missionsix43]

Sorry to threadjack but how's that short sweep oil pressure gauge working for you? I was contemplating getting one of those (as opposed to saving for defi, apexi, blitz, hks, omori, or high end autometers) but I've heard they're rather slow to respond since they arn't stepper motor and therefore by the time the gauge tells you something's wrong you're already screwed. I've never seen them in action and I'm going to be road racing this next season (since my car will finally be running) so I don't want an inaccurate gauge.

uh obviously it isnt even hooked up yet

I would reccomend more expensive gauges if you have an expensive motor, but these work fine for me (have them on my gti, and they do not seem to respond slow)

[rico05]

No info for ya that hasn't been covered, but thanks for the pic. I am now 100% sure that I will be swapping my stock cluster out for the setup you have there. Very nice. Mind tell us how you did it? Did you paint and cut a stock cluster? Thanks man.

[missionsix43]

No info for ya that hasn't been covered, but thanks for the pic. I am now 100% sure that I will be swapping my stock cluster out for the setup you have there. Very nice. Mind tell us how you did it? Did you paint and cut a stock cluster? Thanks man.

cut out all the guts of the stock cluster.. and on the black piece leave a small edge all around it ... and then cut out a piece that fits in it and epoxy'd it in

[float_6969]

I've been running autometer gauges for years w/o problems. I think their accuracy fine for a street/strip car. If you're building a dedicated race car, then I might consider something more expensive, but I still think that their performance is good enough for just about any situation.

[missionsix43]

the thread IS M12x1.25

i got the 12x1 autometer adapter and the threads are wrong

im going to order the greddy adapter and i will open the hole up on a lathe if necessary.. I will update when i receive it..

heres a link to it, at 8.95$ + free shipping

http://www.autovendors.net/pro...ensor/

(the link from "the chosen one" charged $12 for shipping

[sideways danny]

I just drilled and tapped my stat housing, much easier.

[missionsix43]

I just drilled and tapped my stat housing, much easier.

why tap a new hole when there is an existing one that is not in use?

id also rather not tap a hole on a nonflat surface and risk it not sealing... its part of the intake manifold, not really easily replaceable

[asher4857]

for about $25 you can pick up a radiator hose adapter that you just slip inbetween sections of the radiator hose that you can plug in the sending unit into.. its alot easier and you dont risk ruining whatever you tap into..

[missionsix43]

Ok I finally got my greddy adapters, they were on backorder, I ordered two of them.. The inside diameter needs to be opened up for the autometer sender to fit..

Im going to lathe them tomorrow, if anyone is interested in the 2nd one let me know.. make me an offer, shipping will be under $1 and the adapters are $9 + shipping to purchase unmodified.

I also searched quite a bit, but I didnt find anything that was better off than the greddy adapter which has to be lathed.

[The_Chosen_One]

If you do get them to work I have 2 that I want to send to you. The only thing I'm worry about is that possibly it might be weak.

Either way if you do lathe it down and it fits nice definatly would like you to do 2 for me.

[missionsix43]

If you do get them to work I have 2 that I want to send to you. The only thing I'm worry about is that possibly it might be weak.

Either way if you do lathe it down and it fits nice definatly would like you to do 2 for me.

I can probably do that, Im going to do them shortly, I woke up a little late.

I'll report how it goes, there should be enough material in the adapter to do this.

[missionsix43]

Ok I did mine today, In order to get the sender to sit down in the flow of the coolant well I had to:

1) Open up the hole through the adapter2) Remove about half of the nut portion and a few threads from the bottom portion3) retap the sender and adapter to 3/8-24 (close to 1/8 npt without the taper)

So I am not going to do this for other people, its not worth it (and its not even my lathe, it is at my friends house)

I can simply open up the hole down the middle for you, but I cant guarantee it will read accurately or get good coolant flow to it

[The_Chosen_One]

Yea if you can open the hole for me that would be perfect, I have 2 1 for coolant and 1 for Oil temp. Oil temp wont matter was it will fill it no problem, coolant not really much of a concern just need it as a reference.