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 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[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 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

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 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

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 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[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 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)
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.

[dom14]

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.

Hi mate,
That sensor unit is from Jaycar for $15. They don't stock it anymore. I asked them if they have any other unti that's more suitable for Automotive.
They couldn't help me.

I think laying it alone a metal pipe may work. But, I'm having trouble finding a metal coolant pipe in the RB30 engine. Laying the probe along a rubber pipe won't work, I think.
I'm thinking to customize the probe with extra copper piece and attach it to the block.
I will post pictures when or if I do it successfully.
Cheers

[Robo]

have a look at temp device , KG 9140.
the kit you mention they don't stock, can you get it back catalogue?.
they do something called back catalogue.
don't know how it works, back order old kits !.

this type of approach along a pipe will give you an " rough idea " of the temp.
my GTR employs such a device for measuring temp standard.
part of the it's climate control system, not suitable for your device.

Id be buying a VDO temp gauge and a sender that simply replaces a plug in say the inlet manifold.
I know this can be done, as I've just done it .
well, bar actually fitting them.
I had a elec VDO gauge no sender,
so I bought a sender to suit a plug and the gauges resistance.
sender was $15 retail local bullseye , $13 on ebay + postage.
going to pillar Mt it or above dash more so in line of sight than cluster.
pillar & dash Mts start around $20 ebay inc del.

[Robo]

Can you find out the resistance range of the sensor you have?.
Maybe able to adapt a conventional type temp sender,
replace this hard to mount one that came with the unit as standard.
as they come in a varying range of resistances and thread sizes, who knows you may get lucky !.
"VDO have range values for each sender in their catalogue".

[Tanker]

What's wrong with installing the sensor in the upper radiator hose? By thermostat constantly going to a small stream. I have done so, everything works fine. I can upload pictures.

[Petit caillou]

hello mate,

If you have pictures of your different mounting thank you for the post, I'm interested in this topic.

Best regards
Petit caillou.

[Tanker]

Hi
I have a temperature sensor Taiwan firm) Auto gauge. Good price and quality.
Photos will be tomorrow.

[Tanker]

Power supply comes from the cigarette lighter fuse. The sensor only works when the ignition is on.
Is embedded in the upper hose adapter to connect the sensor.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/03/50.jpg

The adapter connects to the body. The signal wire goes to the device.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/03/51.jpg

[macca]

Has anyone tried this type?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130865025521?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661
Sensor does not interfere with the coolant so no leak issues, but it would take time to read changes in temperature waiting for the mass of the engine block to heat or cool.

[BigRAWesty]

Looks the goods, but what's wrong with the stock temp setup? It runs from the coolent so imo the best reading you can get..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[macca]

Looks the goods, but what's wrong with the stock temp setup? It runs from the coolent so imo the best reading you can get..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)
Agree with you there, the guage fluctuates a bit under load as in a long climb mainly on road and I'm curious to what the temp actually is and should I be concerned.
Dont like graphic type guages, be better to have some numbers on it so it is clear what is happening.

[Oldmate1]

you may be able to drill out a 1/8 compression fitting then you can mount it anywhere