If nobody beats me to it while I'm typing, I'll be the first thread starter in this new forum ... which should be a great one.
First a description of my project. Then the question.
My Yanmar engine has a factory high temp switch mounted in the engine block. This triggers the alarm located in the cockpit instrument panel. It does work.
But also a PO had mounted inside the cabin a set of engine gauges. But they were never connected to the engine. And the senders either were never purchased, or somehow got lost.
I have recently obtained a sender for the temperature gauge. I was not able to easily find (nor at a reasonable price) the dual type that has both an alarm switch and the gauge in one unit.
My plan is to leave the original temperature alarm switch in its existing spot.
For the location of the gauge sender I have identified that there is a short piece of coolant hose which leads from the engine, from the same location as the engine alarm switch, to the thermostat housing. I am thinking to cut this hose and insert a galvanized "T" fitting with the "T" side having the same 3/8" thread size as the sender. The sender can then capture the coolant temp right as it leaves the engine block. Since the T fitting will be separated from the engine by the hose, I will need to run a dedicated ground wire for the gauge.
So question is : Good or bad idea? My goal for this is to note the normal temperature of the coolant as it leaves the engine block. This reading doesn't have to be accurate temperature wise, bu just be a consistent benchmark. Then if I ever notice the gauge reading much different from normal, I can investigate.
First a description of my project. Then the question.
My Yanmar engine has a factory high temp switch mounted in the engine block. This triggers the alarm located in the cockpit instrument panel. It does work.
But also a PO had mounted inside the cabin a set of engine gauges. But they were never connected to the engine. And the senders either were never purchased, or somehow got lost.
I have recently obtained a sender for the temperature gauge. I was not able to easily find (nor at a reasonable price) the dual type that has both an alarm switch and the gauge in one unit.
My plan is to leave the original temperature alarm switch in its existing spot.
For the location of the gauge sender I have identified that there is a short piece of coolant hose which leads from the engine, from the same location as the engine alarm switch, to the thermostat housing. I am thinking to cut this hose and insert a galvanized "T" fitting with the "T" side having the same 3/8" thread size as the sender. The sender can then capture the coolant temp right as it leaves the engine block. Since the T fitting will be separated from the engine by the hose, I will need to run a dedicated ground wire for the gauge.
So question is : Good or bad idea? My goal for this is to note the normal temperature of the coolant as it leaves the engine block. This reading doesn't have to be accurate temperature wise, bu just be a consistent benchmark. Then if I ever notice the gauge reading much different from normal, I can investigate.
