oil temp guage

[markh]

I would like to install an oil temp guage to a Chimaera, I assume that I can get a sender easily and get another water temp guage (want to keep all TVR guages) and hook it up.

Mark

[spend]

I got oil temp & volts from CAI (www.greengauges.com) with matching sender (stuck it in sump plug). They fit either side of the main dials no problem.

There is an oil pressure sensor with combined pressure switch - which would allow temp sensor to be put in the oil switch tapping - would be easier.

IMHO water temp with TVR logo would be naffer than a proper oil temp gauge (should be able to match - just minus logo).

Dave

[markh]

Thanks good site but I think I'll stick to the TVR unit as Greenguages don't do yellow

spend said:

I got oil temp & volts from CAI (www.greengauges.com) with matching sender (stuck it in sump plug). They fit either side of the main dials no problem. There is an oil pressure sensor with combined pressure switch - which would allow temp sensor to be put in the oil switch tapping - would be easier. IMHO water temp with TVR logo would be naffer than a proper oil temp gauge (should be able to match - just minus logo). Dave

[spend]

Err.... I'd be very surprised if they didn't make your current instruments! Dont think TVR repainted them.

Same company is www.caigauge.com/Customised_Vehicle_Instruments_and_Gauges.htm (half way down is even the style you probably want)

Dave

[david beer]

Can you not have the temp guage switchable, ie oil or water, always thought i would do it for outside temp(sad i know but i like that kinda stuff) just never got round to it. Of course the range for outside is somewhat limited 50-120.

[tahiti450]

spend said:

Err.... I'd be very surprised if they didn't make your current instruments! Dont think TVR repainted them. Dave

AFAIK the instruments are made by Caerbont Instruments in Ystradgynlais just up the road from me. Oh sorry, just seen that this is CAI as above

Bear in mind that a water temp gauge will be of limited use as an oil temp gauge as the working temp of the oil under load is around 120 C and higher if you are thrashing it. The only need for an oil temp gauge really is to see if temps are getting too high so the water gauge will be hard against the stop long before its giving any meaningful readings. I have deja vu now - there's another thread on this somewhere. You could certainly use a water temp gauge but you'd really need a suitably ranged sender and have the instrument face re printed with the matching scale.

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Wednesday 11th May 19:40

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Wednesday 11th May 23:35

[markh]

Sorry did'nt see that, have just dropped them an email

Thanks Again

Mark

spend said:

Err.... I'd be very surprised if they didn't make your current instruments! Dont think TVR repainted them. Same company is www.caigauge.com/Customised_Vehicle_Instruments_and_Gauges.htm (half way down is even the style you probably want) Dave

[spend]

No problem, a new one will probably cheaper than a yellow temp guage from scrappy as well :-)

Dave

PS it seems that speedy, CAI, greengauges, smiths... are all incarnations of the same company.

IMHO you shouldnt thrash engine until oil temp comes up - its actually a much better indication of the engine being ready than the water temp.

>> Edited by spend on Wednesday 11th May 21:29

[markh]

spend said:

No problem, a new one will probably cheaper than a yellow temp guage from scrappy as well :-) Dave PS it seems that speedy, CAI, greengauges, smiths... are all incarnations of the same company. IMHO you shouldnt thrash engine until oil temp comes up - its actually a much better indication of the engine being ready than the water temp. >> Edited by spend on Wednesday 11th May 21:29

I agree, I'm also fitting an oil cooler and stat as we are heading off to Umbria July/August time

[Bob the Planner]

I'm thinking of adding an oil temperature gauge on the Chim as the current dash is peeling and needs replacing. Whilst I'm building a new one I may as well add a gauge I feel is missing. However where is the best place to add the sender ?

I think the new gauge will be an Xmas present for the car. I might even have a garage to put it in by then too

[GreenV8S]

Tapping the middle of the sump drain plug is a common solution, alternative you can fit a tapped sandwich plate, or even tap straight into the oil filter head if you aren't too fussed about the accuracy.

[pupp]

I tapped into the sump bung and the only issue I have with that is I can't use the preferred 'Allen' socketed bung that is less at risk of being undone on grounding. Adding a temp guage for the oil is one of the best mods I've done.... never seen anything like 120C 'though, rarely hits 100 (maybe I'm not trying hard enough )

[spend]

You would need a proper bung welded on to your sump - if you want a good seal I reckon.

The tapped sump plug does not make it any closer to the ground?

I do have a desire to see what happens if you stick the oil temp into one of the gallery tappings like the oil pressure switch one. If only I can remember next oil change

Dave

[Chimjunkie]

Yet further resurection of this thread. I'm not convinced either that the sump plug is the way to go. Bit concerned how far the sensor will stick out under the car.

Spendy! Any further thoughts on repositioning of the sender?

Jon.

[Pupp]

Chimjunkie said:

Yet further resurection of this thread. I'm not convinced either that the sump plug is the way to go. Bit concerned how far the sensor will stick out under the car.

Spendy! Any further thoughts on repositioning of the sender?

Jon.

The sump plug is on the side of the sump pointing out, not bottom pointing down. The clearance issue that arises is it can interfere with the exhaust when undoing the plug. It won't affect ground clearance but does force you to retain the original hex form plug rather than use the better aftermarket socketed type. This is more vulnerable to being rotated and 'undone' if grounded.

[spend]

I think there has been another thread on this recently ?? (bit h/over today!)

I would try either:
New integral switch/sender to replace 2 units, leaving a tapping free for oil temp.
or: (easiest)
Tee adapter to mount switch & sender off same tapping.

Note the pressure sender is NPT with a bush adapter into the block tapping..
Fit oil temp sender in free tapping nearest to the oil pump. (if you have a pre-serp there is also a spare blanking plug on the oil pump cover BTW).

Putting the oil temp here requires a lot less wiring run (you have to go under to the sump). The tapped sump plug means the spade connector is sat on the exhaust on mine - very tricky..

Dave

[Chimjunkie]

Thanks, Wasn't aware there was a pressure switch? Where is this mounted? Mines a Serp engine. Also completely forgot that the sump plug is on the side. I'm loosing my mind!