hey got a water temp guage for my guage pod, but have some questions. I dont want to pull the stock water temp sensor since i want the stock guage to work as well as the auto meter. How can i? The guage and wiring are in but not hooked to the sender. Thx for any help

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You can either install the sender in a different location that goes to water, or install a "T" fitting and screw both into the same hole, provided there is room.

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I agree with what Engineboy said. I think there is another hole on the passenger side head that you can put the sending unit in for the new gauge. Or else put it in one of the extra holes in the radiator or intake if you have them.

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I would not recommend using a "T" to install both sensors in the same hole unless there is an adequate amound of water flowing past the sensors.

I tried just installing a "T" to put the stock sensor was well as a Stewart-Warner temperature sensor in the same hole (on a Chevy 350 G30 Van), and found out the hard way that a sensor needs water flowing past it to get an accurate reading. In this case, with two sensors installed in the "T", water could not flow past and around the sensors. In my case, the readings were about 60°F too low.

I wound up using a "T", but installed it in the rear of the engine where there was a heater hose connection. One side was connected to a heater hose, the other side to the temperature sensor, the third side to the engine. Since a heater hose was connected to the "T", water would always flow through it, thus allowing the sensor to get an accurate reading.

If I wanted to install the "T" at a point where water would not through it (such as with two sensors on it), I would have installed a small hose (e.g. 1/4") capable of handling hot water on the "T" and run the other side to the radiator. I would have tapped a 1/8" NPT hole in the "T" to receive a small hose barb to connect the hose. I then would have run the other end of the hose to the radiator through an existing hose, making sure it is the proper hose to get the water flowing the correct direction, using an adapter such as a "T" inserted in the hose which I've seen at NAPA. The only purpose of this hose would be to allow a small amound of water to flow through the "T".

Since there are not any hoses specifically made as "radiator" hoses that small (at least as far as I know), I would have used a fuel hose (regular or the stronger fuel injection hose) - never a vacuum hose.

Without water flowing past (around) a sensor, you won't get an accurate reading. A "T" will raise the sensor far enough away from the flow of water unless there is an outlet on the "T" for water to flow through it.

[This message has been edited by Stuart Moss (edited February 16, 2001).]