Temp Guage install

[MattsLincoln]

well went to the auto store and picked up a timing chain Kit 3-piece kit. The store was having a wholesale closeout on items. It was if you spend $50 or more you get to choose 1 item $30 or less for free. Other items above $30 were half off. So nothing i really needed but i did want a temp guage so i picked one up. I have a question. How do you install it also i was hoping if there was a way to make the backlight on the temp guage go on only when i turn on my headlights. Help please. the guage cost $23 so it was free.


Heres the gauge it's an Equus brand

[P72Ford]

Find an open 3/8" NPT (it may be 1/2" NPT; I'm estimating from the picture) port in the intake, and install the NPT adapter, and probe. Make sure the probe will not hit anything inside the hole... (not to be perverse or anything). You want it right in the flow path of the coolant. Be mindful of where you position it, as the engine coolant is obviously different temps, at different locations. I usually use a port on the intake. Some folks use a T-stat housing, with an extra tapped hole.

Connect the illumination source; I'd recommend probing your radio harness for a good source. Ground to... ground!

Mount the gauge.

[gadget73]

I use the light in the ashtray to tap for gauges.

[Tiggie]

I use the light in the ashtray to tap for gauges.

X2

Also I just remove the stock temp sender and install the one with the gauge.

PS any chance of trading that one for another one with a lower max? It's a little too late by 280. You don't need a gauge past 250. Your box will let you know when it's that hot. Mine starts burning the gulf coast oil slick on the block by that point.

[MattsLincoln]

i am only using the guage so i know when the car is at operating temp. I can't drive it immediately on a cold day or it has problems like hesitation and sputtering if it doesn't warm up to operating temp.


Also that was the only temp gauge they had. i can't return it since it was on closeout.

[MattsLincoln]

does the light in the ashtray have a power and ground to tap in. My gauge has 2 wires one for power and ground. I would like to not have the light on the gauge be on all the time. i have a on/off switch that i may be able to cross in. If so how would i set it up on a on/off switch to shut the light off on it.

[1990LTD]

does the light in the ashtray have a power and ground to tap in. My gauge has 2 wires one for power and ground. I would like to not have the light on the gauge be on all the time. i have a on/off switch that i may be able to cross in. If so how would i set it up on a on/off switch to shut the light off on it.

doesn't matter where you get your ground


if you don't want to tear your ashtray out to tap the power from the bulb, just power it from whatever fuse is on the circuit that powers your headlights. don't know what fuse it is for your year car.

[gadget73]

the ashtray light only has power when the dash lights are on, meaning with parking lights or headlights only.

Ground is any convenient metal point under the dashboard.

[87gtVIC]

Could also just wrap the bare wire around the fuse for the headlights in the fuse panel. That would only give it illumination when the lights are on. No need to fuck up solid connections elsewhere. Word of advise, Carefully pick out the location you want that installed inside the car. You only have 6 feet or so of slack to work with. Dont go drilling the damn thing into irreplaceable dash pieces either.

[86VickyLX]

Could also just wrap the bare wire around the fuse for the headlights in the fuse panel. That would only give it illumination when the lights are on.

Yeah, but they won't dim. I don't know if he cares about that but I would.

[87gtVIC]

My bad I should have been more specific. Go Into fuse slot 13. That is for instrument illumination. everything will be dim and happy there. THAT is how mine is set up.

[Glen]

I have the same gauge. Just use the stock temp sender hole, it's on the left front of the intake. I also used the ash tray light. Works for me!

[85crownHPP]

A gauge like that does not 'dim'.... it only needs to light up when you turn on the headlights, it has no provisions to 'dim' - you can already read it when it is light out.
Only things that are lit up all the time (like a digi gauge) need to 'dim' with the headlights.

[91waggin]

yeah but if you want the light to go from bright to dim with the dimmer switch, you need to hook it up to the appropriate stuff.

[85crownHPP]

I'm a bit dim this morning. er, afternoon...