Sensor location for aux. water temp gauge?

Tony · Postby **Tony** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:04 pm

Gidday all,

I'm planning to install an auxiliary water temperature gauge in my SE, but at this stage I'd like to keep the faux-gauge functioning as well.

I can't for the life of me find an M12x1.5 tee-piece suitable for water temp senders to screw into the outlet on the back of the block; plus I reckon it could possibly create an air lock anyway.

I guess another option is the buy one of those sensor adaptors thingos that you cut into the top radiator hose; but that seems a bit dodgy.

Can anyone with an after market temp gauge fitted tell me where you've fitted the sensor unit?

Many thanks in advance...

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:20 pm

I have one of those adaptors and they work fine.

Tony · Postby **Tony** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:22 pm

Bryan, are you talking about the one in the radiator hose?

Muzdaman · Postby **Muzdaman** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:27 pm

I had one in the top hose for the last 4-5 years. No problems whatsoever.

I don't use it anymore only because of my coolant reroute and got a weld in bung in the reroute hard pipe.

xatz · Postby **xatz** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:36 pm

This might be helpful, if the thread is the same.
http://www.maruhamotors.co.jp/miata/par ... apter.html

I happen to have an unused one sitting in my shed as well.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:41 pm

Tony wrote:Bryan, are you talking about the one in the radiator hose?

Yup! Got it on the Integra and will be fitting one to the MX5 as well.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:48 pm

I bought one of these: http://www.maruhamotors.co.jp/miata/parts/wsensoradapter.html.

The adapter has a 1/8" PT thread (aka 1/8" BSPT-28) but unfortunately for me my the PLX sensor had a 1/8" NPT-27 thread. The adapter's threading didn't extend too deep and I wanted to mount the temperature sensor as deep as possible so I figured why not re-tap it as a 1/8" NPT-27 thread? I re-tapped the adapter and installed the PLX sensor using Loctite Copper Maxx Silicone to ensure that it sealed completely. This silicone is sensor safe and doesn't affect its electrical conductivity.

That's a trap to always be aware of with fittings, make sure that you don't mix them, you can't always rectify the problem.

Your OBDII port reports water temperature so have you considered using that instead?
A cheap eBay Bluetooth adapter and Android's Torque application (or equivalent iPhone App) is cheap and easy, no wiring required.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:58 pm

Maruha as well works a treat.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:15 pm

Uh...let me do a Works Engineering plug here. Much cheaper than Maruha, works a treat! Just plugged in the sensors...no need to mess around with re-tapping etc

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:46 pm

The early bps have a blanked off hole in the back of the head for another sensor. Not sure about an se or getting access while the head is in the car though.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Tony · Postby **Tony** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 2:50 pm

First of all, let me apologise for not previously thanking those who responded to my initial question. I've been both lazy and preoccupied; but I finally got my car back together in time for the double rounds of the Hillclimbs last weekend.

I ended up getting a sensor adaptor piece to fit into the top radiator hose for $20 posted off a local seller on eBay. However the straight section in the standard hose is not really long enough to fit the adaptor in and as a result the hose is kinked slightly. I'll probably sift through the rack of radiator hoses at Supercheap to mix and match up something that will work.

If I were doing it again I'd go for the "sandwich plate" type arrangement that fits under the thermostst housing. My Autometer temperature sensor had a 1/8" NPT thread, so the Works Engineering arrangement would have been the go. I still may do it as a retrofit anyway.

I have one further question that I hope someone will have the answer to; my electric radiator fans don't work now!

I've checked the obvious electrical connections, fuses etc, but can't see anything astray. I've had a look at the wiring diagram, but the two speed fans on the SE are a nightmare to work out. As I mentioned in my first post, I have retained the standard water temp sensor at the back of the motor which I thought would trigger one fan at least.

As part of my overhaul I did however remove the A/C compressor, receiver/dryer, condensor and assorted plumbing from under the bonnet. So now I'm wondering whether the wire that originally activated the compressor should be run to ground to get the fans to work, or whether i should bridge out the plug that went to the top of the receiver/dryer?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks again...