ok,

here's my thought, maybe some of you have done this or at least think the same way.

I like temp gauges, but truthfully, it's always the puff of steam that catches my eye first during an overheat. And by then, it's usaully a little late. What I'd like to do on ALL my cars is add a warning lamp somewhere conspicuous that will light up before it gets so hot that I've damaged something (like a head gasked :eek but won't light up during routine driving.

I checked out autometer's website. they've got senders for 3 different temperature ranges. I need help with wich one to use. they've got the following:

187* - 203*
210* - 230*
275* - 295*

the first one is to low, not even to boiling (212F at atmospheric, higher under pressure).

The second one is most likely the best bet but I'm afraid it will trigger the light during normal operation. What temps do you all see while driving normally? is this a good choice for the sender?

The third one seems rediculously high for this application. It seems to me that by 275F you've already vented the excess pressure, right? Am I thinking right about this one?

Does anyone know of any other supplier of senders in a more suitable range?

Basically, I'm looking for a sender that will give me the heads up if something goes wrong. Once the light has my attention, I can monitor the situation with the gauge.

what do you all think?
Clem

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Clem
SCCA TransAm Series Race Mechanic/CrewChief
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1983 Z28 with LG4, 5 speed, and (unfortunately) T-tops
1983 Z28, NO T-tops, (unfortunately) Auto Transmission (hopefully not for long)

 

When does the stock idiot light switch turn on? You could use one of those...