Water Temp Gauge

[Sawatch 8N]

Has anyone found/used a water temp guage that would screw directly into the side petcock/drain hole on a 8n engine? Seems it'd be convienant. Or is there one that the thermo would fit into that hole/cavity?

 

[Bob]

You don't want the gauge down there, in the coldest part of the block, where the cooled water flows as the waterpump returns it from the radiator.

It's NOT a big deal to follow HOBO's drilling and tapping instructions and install it in the cylinder head, where it belongs!

 

[FLAcharlie]

But, consensus here seems to be that these have ample cooling capacity, normally run pretty cool, so T-meter not really needed. If you have a serious deficiency, you'll know about it pretty quick.
If you're in the cooler climes, then T-meter might be useful for letting you know when the engine has warmed up, but I use the oil pressure gauge to tell me that info.

 

[Ken(Ark)]

(quoted from post at 14:11:21 12/18/10) Has anyone found/used a water temp guage that would screw directly into the side petcock/drain hole on a 8n engine? Seems it'd be convienant. Or is there one that the thermo would fit into that hole/cavity?

They make a 1/4" npt fitting for the temp sending units that would screw into the draincock hole .

Most temp units are too long and hit the cylinder wall from the inside . The 1/4" npt fitting is also very fragile being necked down so small .

I have had a few lively discussions on reading the temp down there and how inaccurate it would be . My philosophy is the actual number doesn't mean squat , it is finding what the "normal" operating range and being alert to a higher than "normal" reading .

I have found that it is easier and a more accurate "normal" number to cut a short piece of pipe and weld a 1/2" coupler to the side , then fit it into the upper radiator hose .

 

[Dell (WA)]

Satch........I followed Hobo's instructions for drilling and tapping (3/8"NPT) the flathead boss by the cylinder upper radiator hoze outlet. Piece of cake.

I then ordered a 3-foot tube Stewart-Warner temp gauge from a Jaguar sportscar parts house (looked up on internet) and mounted the meter in the flatplate opposite the proofmeter. (used 2-1/16" holesaw backed-up by 2x4 block clamped, 2-1/8" was too big) Yes, fits and works nicely. No electricity required. Highly recommend it .......Durango Dell

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 19:17:26 12/18/10) But, consensus here seems to be that these have ample cooling capacity, normally run pretty cool, so T-meter not really needed. If you have a serious deficiency, you'll know about it pretty quick.
If you're in the cooler climes, then T-meter might be useful for letting you know when the engine has warmed up, but I use the oil pressure gauge to tell me that info.

Truth B know OP is ample so you can take that gauge also off also... Mite as well throw all of the gauges way,,, the only affect will B the hit your pocket book takes,, you'll know about it pretty quick...

consensus here,,, I would not put much faith in it... even yer bud Dell bit the bullet...

 

[teddy52food]

If you put it in the block drain you will be back saying you just ran it for xxx hours & the gauge never moved.

 

[36 Coupe]

You could use a heater hose tap that was used on Ford cars.They are still available new.A fitting would have to be brazed onto the tap to accept the sender bulb.A long shot whould be a cylinder head that was tapped for the sending unit,As Ford used the 9n engine in some light trucks.