Temp sensor for water temp gauge

[meanmx]

Hi all. I recently bought a water temperature gauge for my car and while I have installed the gauge I haven't put the sensor in yet. I was going to buy the buddyclub adapter from npower to plumb into the upper radiator hose and run the sensor from there but recent cimcumstances have made me rethink. I have just sprung a coolant leak from the \"cursed plug\" on the back of the block and while contemplating whether to go to Mazda and get an oem replacement or to get a length of hose and stick a bolt in the end to dodgy it I begun to think of this sensor. The question I am slowly getting to is could I get a length of hose and whack the sensor in the end to get a reasonably accurate water temp reading. Not after a down to the degree reading but an accurate representation would be nice. I'm guessing only the end of the sensor will be exposed to the coolant, will this be enough. Thanks for any forthcoming replies

Ben

[Juffa]

Hi Ben,

I believe that the dash water temp gauge gets its readings from a sensor at the back of the engine. I wonder if your new gauge could use the same sensor? My link ECU gives me actual coolant temp reading, accurate to two degrees using that same sensor.

If you can't use the same sensor then I would suggest placing your sensor in position where you are getting constant coolant flow. Not sure that the end of a 'plug' would give a reasonably accurate reading.

Just my 2.2c (including GST) worth.

J