Autometer factory match gauge questions

[Dimblewambie]

Hello, first post here at TDR, and before I get to it I just wanted to say thanks for the great knowledge base on the forum and the mag is awesome.

So, I am getting ready to install my gauges this weekend and have a couple questions regarding the EGT probe as well as building a hot line manifold for the transmission temp sending unit.


From what I've found, autometer went to an inferior EGT thermocoupling on this style of gauge and maybe other newer versions. The one included has the probe pass through the center and held In place by a grub screw. No sealing of any kind. Is it worth sourcing a proper 3/16ths compression coupling to 1/8npt for this? My other thought was a dab of antiseize rated for 2600* around the probe to stop the leak, or do I install as directed and let it soot up?


As for the hot line trans temp sending unit install, I've found the parts to make a Tee fitting off the hard line. I've also read a couple guys say just get a barbed fitting and put it in the rubber hose portion of the line. Any problems with the later? It's 1 fitting and probably 1/4 the work to install it. The way I look at it is if I mess up either the hard line portion or the hose section I'm buying a new line.


Thanks for any insight.

 

[Northfork]

I just installed my set of three gauges a couple of weeks ago. I don't have an automatic so can't help with that question other than to say if I had my druthers I'd put a Tee in the rubber portion of
the line as you described, in a place where you can secure it to control vibration. I've done the cut tubing / install fittings and farrel nut etc. but I don't see the advantage here.Those other deals don''t impress me but I am an old guy and not fond of change in general.
On the Pyrometer I haven't had any problem with leaks, no sign of soot on the probe where it comes out of the slip in adapter. I think it will be fine, if there is a problem I will look for options but at
this point not too worried.

 

[Dimblewambie]

I just installed my set of three gauges a couple of weeks ago. I don't have an automatic so can't help with that question other than to say if I had my druthers I'd put a Tee in the rubber portion of
the line as you described, in a place where you can secure it to control vibration. I've done the cut tubing / install fittings and farrel nut etc. but I don't see the advantage here.Those other deals don''t impress me but I am an old guy and not fond of change in general.
On the Pyrometer I haven't had any problem with leaks, no sign of soot on the probe where it comes out of the slip in adapter. I think it will be fine, if there is a problem I will look for options but at
this point not too worried.

Awesome, thanks for the reassurance on both counts. Much appreciated.

I'll report back with how it goes this weekend.

 

[Dimblewambie]

I'm wondering, with the Tee fitting in the rubber portion of the line am I going to Need to run a ground wire from the fitting or the sensor?

 

[DaveHess]

Here is an alternate and it has worked excellent for about 10 year for me in measuring the outgoing trans temp. I purchased a 1/2" brass T-fitting from Lowes Home Improvement store. I then cut it length wise so one 1/2 still looked like a T. I forgot the name of the pasty stuff I got from Radio Shack but I lined both sides with the paste. The paste helps transfer the temperature of the line to the probe to be mounted later. Then, using two worm gear clamps, I clamped the T fitting over the outgoing transmission fluid line. The steel line not the rubber. I then squirted more of the pasty stuff into the T section of the fitting. I then mounted the temperature probe in the T section of the fitting. Wired it and never looked back. I also run a probe out of the pan so I know the temp of the cooled transmission fluid. At operating temperature towing down the Interstate, The outgoing fluid temperature will consistently run around 195 degrees F and the pan temp is about 140 to 150. Under hard pulling with the convertor unlocked, it is not uncommon for me to see 250+ temps exiting the transmission and still have about 160 to 170 pan temps. This setup has served me well.

 

[DaveHess]

As for the EGT, l have installed an Autometer in a friends Ram and was disappointed with the EGT probe install. If possible I would recommend an ISSPRO EGT gauge. Again, just my 2 cents. I have a DiPrico that has worked well but I don't like the lighting in twilight conditions. I have Isspro gauges otherwise and the lighting is much better. I don't think DiPrico's can be found anymore. I could be wrong there. Geno's doesn't have them.

 

[Freebore]

As for the EGT, l have installed an Autometer in a friends Ram and was disappointed with the EGT probe install. If possible I would recommend an ISSPRO EGT gauge. Again, just my 2 cents. I have a DiPrico that has worked well but I don't like the lighting in twilight conditions. I have Isspro gauges otherwise and the lighting is much better. I don't think DiPrico's can be found anymore. I could be wrong there. Geno's doesn't have them.

I agree, I spent a lot of time reviewing the options and went with Isspro a year ago for the reasons you mentioned. For me, I just couldn't believe they couldn't come up with anything better than a set screw for the EGR probe. I included the light adjustment kit from Isspro to ensure the gauge light intensity matched the OEM gauges. So far they have worked well.

 

[Dimblewambie]

Got all 3 gauges installed and operational on Saturday. EGT probe went fine with the supplied fitting. Coated the probe with some antiseize when installing and I couldn't feel any air leaks around it at idle. I'm sure it will clog up soon enough if it hasn't already. Boost was straight forward however the gauge flutters pretty bad up at 30psi, from reading it's a common thing and I will probably send it in to be remedied. Trans temp probe got installed into the barb fitting in the rubber section of the hot line. As expected didn't read until I ran a ground wire from the sensor body to the line. Did some driving, gauge read 180 and with my temp gun the outside of the line showed 165 so I'd say that's pretty accurate.

All in all pretty pleased with it and now that I've got some telemetry Efilive is on the way.