How to install an engine temperature sensor

[dom14]

Hi guys,

I bought a temperature sensor alarm with the display for my GQ Patrol(RB30 motor)
I'm just wondering where to install the sensor and how to.
It's probe type round sensor with a pointy(7cm long, 3.5mm diameter)
My problems are,
1)What is the best place(engine block, inside the engine coolant line, head)
2)How to attach it to engine block, head, coolant pipes, etc.

I've attached a picture of the sensor alarm unit as well.

Any help, advice, guide are much appreciated.
Thanks

[BigRAWesty]

Imo, you bought the wrong one...
You should have gone a screw type plug which could be then attached to the block / head.

It's no good in the coolent pipes, unless you don't have a temp sensor there yet, but again it will leak around the pin..

Tough one.. but you should be able to cook some killer steaks now...

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[dom14]

Imo, you bought the wrong one...
You should have gone a screw type plug which could be then attached to the block / head.

It's no good in the coolent pipes, unless you don't have a temp sensor there yet, but again it will leak around the pin..

Tough one.. but you should be able to cook some killer steaks now...

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

It's a much cheaper one than purpose made automotive heat sensor alarms.
I thought i might be able to use this one by tweaking the fitting method.
Thanks

[dom14]

Imo, you bought the wrong one...
You should have gone a screw type plug which could be then attached to the block / head.

It's no good in the coolent pipes, unless you don't have a temp sensor there yet, but again it will leak around the pin..

Tough one.. but you should be able to cook some killer steaks now...

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

It's a much cheaper one than purpose made automotive heat sensor alarms.
I thought i might be able to use this one by tweaking the fitting method.
Thanks

[BigRAWesty]

It's a much cheaper one than purpose made automotive heat sensor alarms.
I thought i might be able to use this one by tweaking the fitting method.
Thanks

Yea I saw your other post.. you possible may be able to drill a bolt, cut down the spike and solder it into the bolt the attach it to the car.. but you risk stuffing the sensor then..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[dom14]

Yea I saw your other post.. you possible may be able to drill a bolt, cut down the spike and solder it into the bolt the attach it to the car.. but you risk stuffing the sensor then..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

Sensor might stuff up if I try to use solder on it. It's max temperature is 150 celsius. Solder temperature is way above that I think.
I may simply drill a bolt and push the sensor in and glue it or may be I can use copper paper to wrap it around the sensor and then attach to the engine block?!!
what do you reckon?
Thanks

[NP99]

I would be concerned about accuracy.......

[dom14]

I would be concerned about accuracy.......

I think I have to make sure the glue won't get in between the sensor and the engine block or the bolt with the hole.
I guess I can use heat resistant silicone glue.
Only downside is that sensor probe is 7cm long. bit too long for my liking.

[ajaxism]

I've had the one like yours in the picture before. It leaked constantly. Ended up replacing it for a screw in

[Robo]

Think your only option to use that.
is locate a flat area you can lay the sensor and secure it.
"it needs to be a position that gets hot like a normal sensor locations".
Make a cover for probe and cover it for better transfer,
using heat transfer paste between part and engine like used on computer parts would certainly help.
and cover would resist wash off.
you could try laying it along a hose and secure it and insulate.
think you would not get a true reading.
grind off the point, to prevent making a hole by accident.

but bro think it would be easyer to simply buy either a elec or mech gauge with it's own sensor to suit your needs.
Ebay cheap as chips.
you'd be surprised also how cheap from local parts shop a complete unit.
good luck

Actually go to Jaycar , temp alarm to suit, and set to desired temp value.
Sure you can get something in kit-form.