Auto Transmission Temp Gauge

[Midnite]

How are people installing the temp sender on first gens?



Every time I read about someone installing a transmission temp gauge, they usually mention getting the cooler line with the builtin port, but it's always on a second gen truck.



Would this work on a first gen?



Mike

 

[ETOBICOKE]

Temp Gauge

Was just looking at the service manual, the automatics have two coolers one is mounted to the engine and the other is ahead of the rad. I would think that if you placed the sensor in the oil line between the transmition and the engine mounted cooler (below turbo) that it should work properly.

Hope this helps

Neil

 

[SGarrison]

Here is what I did on mine. I purchased a 1/2 inch brass compression fitting Tee that has pipe threads on the vertical part. I cut the line midway in front of the pan with a tubing cutter and installed the fitting. If you go this route make sure the pipe threads are one size bigger than your sender that way when you put the bushing in the Tee it will move your sender back out of the line and will not restrict your flow. Does this make since? If not , I will try to explain again.

Shannon

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I pretty much did the same as Mo. Plowboy.

Mine is cut into the outlet line from the TC to the oil cooler under the exhaust manifold. I placed my sender just about mid way along the line as it passes under/just ahead of the bell housing, in the "straight stretch" so to speak. Another choice is on riser portion of the line just ahead of were it goes into the cooler. (I think I'd do that next time as it is less exposed)

That is the outlet from the TC so keep in mind you'll see higher temp numbers in that location because its about the hottest location there is.

- You will need to remove the coupling at the trans. and below the oil cooler. (it can be a real booger to get at)

- Have a line plug of some sort handy so when you undo the cooler connection you can plug the hole or you'll leak red stuff all over.

- Measure accurately the amount of tubing your going to cut out and install the fitting/sender coupling hand tight.

- Re-connect the line to oil cooler and trans. Do final tighten-up on the sender coupling once the line is in place and tight.

- You may need a 1/8" rubber spacer between trans. lines if the coupling rubs against the sister line beside it.

- Top up oil, watch for leaks at coupling for the first while till it "settles in" so to speak. I had to snug mine a couple times.



On normal cruise (65 MPH) unloaded I run around 165*F + or -

WOT hard pull I've seen 230*F and Bill at DTT says thats not uncommon but also pretty hot!

Can't think of anything I missed accept to personally prefer the "riser" location in hindsight. OH! one piece of advice I did get... use some care when tightening the sender coupling nuts, the compression ferrels can crimp the tubing and actually restrict oil flow if you over do it.

Sorry this is so long guys. Good luck.



Regards, Bob.

 

[Bfulgham]

more trans. temp. sensor

Guys: Also in the process of installing sensor. I follow what you are saying as to location of sensor however my 93 has another cooler under rear fender. Fluid appears to go from trans. to radiator cooler ,then to engine mounted cooler. Tubing leaving engine mount cooler mates with rubber hose line (threaded connectors & hose barb) to under fender cooler then back to trans. A suitable tee at the tube --Hose junction would seem to be the easiest install and reflect the same temp. Any thoughs? Bob

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I must be holding my mouth wrong but... that sounds exactly the opposite of the normal routing. Usually it leaves the TC to the (round) engine mounted cooler under exhaust manifold, then to radiator and then ( I think) to auxilary cooler (if factory installed) and finally returns to trans. inlet. (It sounds like your looking at and, tracing it backwards. (????)

Someone else jump in if I've got this wrong please !!!! Bill K. Joe D. you out there>????

Your routing sounds reverse of that if your starting in the right place. Either way, your sensor should go in the line/oulet closest to the front of the trans. then you can cut in were ever you prefer. You want to know what the exit temps are I would think. Hmmmmm. . two gauges would be cool one for exit one for inlet... . drat... more money



Bob.

 

[Midnite]

Cool--thanks for all the replies! I'd originally thought about just splicing in a fitting for the sender, but the second gen guys kept talking about replacing the original line with the one that came with a port for the sender.



Oh well, thanks again!

Mike