Water Temperature Gauge

[James A]

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.

[Jim/GA]

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.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

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.

[Chris Haynes]

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.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Here is an example of a Water Outlet you can purchase that makes mounting the probe easy.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

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Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Here is an example of a Water Outlet you can purchase that makes mounting the probe easy.

Picture did not work, here is a link, second up from bottom of page



https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...q=Water+outlet

[Bud Man]

I just installed the APCO gauge and the outlet with the probe mount and it works very well.

[Davew]

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.

[Synchro909]

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.

[Charlie Stephens]

This is one in action.

Charlie Stephens

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

This is one in action.

Charlie Stephens

For the life of me I can't uinderstand why they put the probe in the side of the neck where it makes access to the head stud difficult. I've always thought that was nearly the dumbest thing I have seen.

[noboD]

Put it in the top radiator hose. It can be done with simple pipe fittings.

[Chris Haynes]

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/drilled-water-outlet

[jw hash]

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.

[monto]

Originally Posted by noboD

Put it in the top radiator hose. It can be done with simple pipe fittings.

Have installed as above in two A's --- Simple;- works perfect..

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by monto

Have installed as above in two A's --- Simple;- works perfect..

Have not heard/seen this. Can you post a picture?

[Fred K-OR]

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]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Have not heard/seen this. Can you post a picture?

Never posted an attachment: first try !

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by monto

Never posted an attachment: first try !

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.

[AL in NY]

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.

[monto]

Don't fight the brazing / welding process.
Can be purchased from Mac's (Ecklers) Model A parts catalog for about $20.
Think you could find same in Bratton's or Tam's as well.

[kenparker]

......or build yo sef one lik dis. ken

[burner31]

Stay away from this one, Speedway Part # 91065041 $25
Looks good but only works for about a year, have gone thru two of them...never again.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by burner31

Stay away from this one, Speedway Part # 91065041 $25
Looks good but only works for about a year, have gone thru two of them...never again.

Thanks for the heads up. I was looking at that one. I like the larger sweep compared to what I presently have

[Davew]

I have that speedway one and it measures 20 degrees colder than actual.

[burner31]

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Santa brought me this new one, let's hope it works better and lasts longer.
And I like the looks better.
AutoMeter #1837 $51

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by burner31

Santa brought me this new one, let's hope it works better and lasts longer.
And I like the looks better.
AutoMeter #1837 $51

I liked that one too, but I am running 6v positive ground. Looking through their site appears they do not make 6v versions.

[burner31]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

I liked that one too, but I am running 6v positive ground. Looking through their site appears they do not make 6v versions.

It's a mechanical gauge, voltage does not matter.
I too am running 6V pos ground

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

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.

Al,

Maybe he hasn't, but a lot of people have gotten some useful information from the topic including me.

David Serrano

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by burner31

It's a mechanical gauge, voltage does not matter.
I too am running 6V pos ground

You caught my mistake, same time I was looking at temp gauges was also looking at Tachs. Please correct me again if wrong, I believe Auto Meter does not offer 6v Tachs.

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by burner31

It's a mechanical gauge, voltage does not matter.
I too am running 6V pos ground

I'm sorry. Am I missing something. The Auto Meter 1837 sez it has a 12v sending unit included? Summitt Racing also claims it has an electrical sending unit. ($5 cheaper too!)

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder

I'm sorry. Am I missing something. The Auto Meter 1837 sez it has a 12v sending unit included? Summitt Racing also claims it has an electrical sending unit. ($5 cheaper too!)

Now I am confused too. Perhaps there are 2 types, one mechanical like a meat thermometer, and a 2cd type working off the battery?

[The Master Cylinder]

Looking at the Auto Meter site, it appears their #1832 in the mechanical gauge. Which makes sense because I have found most mechanical gauges are 270° sweep. https://www.autometer.com/2-water-te...que-beige.html

[AL in NY]

IMO you can't beat Stewart-Warner gauges. May be more expensive, but they last a lifetime.

[burner31]

Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder

I'm sorry. Am I missing something. The Auto Meter 1837 sez it has a 12v sending unit included? Summitt Racing also claims it has an electrical sending unit. ($5 cheaper too!)

Oh geez, Oh geez, Oh geez...Santa messed up big time, just opened up the box and it is not mechanical.
This Auto Meter 1837 will not work on the A, back to square one.
I'll have a talk with Santa about this too.

[Chris Haynes]

I am using the Rex-A-Co gauge from Bratton's. I like is period correct look. Personally I don't like flashy new modern looking things in my Model A.
https://www.brattons.com/temperature...-rex-a-co.html

[updraught]

Some of the sending units won't leave much room for water flow.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/JMkAA...KW/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zIwAA...RF-/s-l500.jpg

[ryanheacox]

Never saw much need for a temp gauge but with a new $4000 engine installed it might be worth keeping a closer eye on things. The rex-a-co gauge from brattons looks good, are they reasonably accurate?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by ryanheacox

Never saw much need for a temp gauge but with a new $4000 engine installed it might be worth keeping a closer eye on things. The rex-a-co gauge from brattons looks good, are they reasonably accurate?

Temp gauges are very handy when you have a cooling system that is not working well. You can troubleshoot/try things and see if there is improvement.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Originally Posted by ryanheacox

Never saw much need for a temp gauge but with a new $4000 engine installed it might be worth keeping a closer eye on things. The rex-a-co gauge from brattons looks good, are they reasonably accurate?

I have heard that the rex aco temp gauge has been problematic in the last few years .

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

I have heard that the rex aco temp gauge has been problematic in the last few years .

I bought mine a little over a year ago and it works fine.

[Bill G]

I bought an Apco and used a new outlet with the hole in the side for the probe. It works great, BUT, the under the speedo bracket really sucks. Really hard to deal with the e-brake lever. Not only that, but the #**&!# repro chrome bezel that doesn't fit all that great to begin with is nearly impossible to get the gauge bracket screwed on. Grrr.

Anyone know of a reasonably inexpensive single gauge steering column mount? Mine is a '29.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Magicbox51

I bought an Apco and used a new outlet with the hole in the side for the probe. It works great, BUT, the under the speedo bracket really sucks. Really hard to deal with the e-brake lever. Not only that, but the #**&!# repro chrome bezel that doesn't fit all that great to begin with is nearly impossible to get the gauge bracket screwed on. Grrr.

Anyone know of a reasonably inexpensive single gauge steering column mount? Mine is a '29.

I make one for RHD but you might fabricate one for yourself. When I do that, I cut off the top half of the clamp from under the tank, clamp it to the steering column and make a support to fill in the gap. With a few tools, it's not that difficult - it can't be - I do it!

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I make one for RHD but you might fabricate one for yourself. When I do that, I cut off the top half of the clamp from under the tank, clamp it to the steering column and make a support to fill in the gap. With a few tools, it's not that difficult - it can't be - I do it!

Can you please post a photo or two?

[father-son]

I believe Mark Maron recommends the Vintage Precision tstat and temp gauge. It's a little pricey and I have not decided yet. Not real excited about the temp gauge in the rad hose.

http://www.vintageprecision.com/products/thermostat

[Purdy Swoft]

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I installed a metal probe pipe in the upper radiator hose that I got from Snyders to connect the probe . This setup works good for me and isn't that noticeable .

[DBrer]

just finished installing a temp gauge yesterday, but before I hooked it up I tested it in a pot on the stove and it worked just fine. it is an APCO gauge.

[PalAl]

James A... One more option that's out there

[JoeOrangejuice]

That is great how the sensor goes up under the hood and must be almost unnoticeable. I'm going to put in one that mounts on the goose neck and the sensor line is visible along the side of the head which will not look so "hot" (ouch, how corny).