Aftermarket Gauges

Goofyexponent

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I bought a mechanical water temperature and oil pressure gauge set tonight. I am 100% sure of how to install them, as I have done this before. My only question is what thread and size is the oil pressure sending unit nut on the back of the engine? I need to buy and install a "T" fitting into this so I can have my factory "gauge" work, as well as have my mechanical gauge read the proper numbers off to me.

Thanks again for the help, and I just want to add that Most of the problems with my truck would still be a problem if it wernt for y'all!;Sweet
 

suv7734

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All but the factory turbo block are 1/8" NPT. The turbo block is 1/4" NPT.
 

typ4

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The factory sender is 1/4 pipe, turbo or not. There is a factory riser that goes from 1/8 to 1/4 .
 

GRU

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i just did mine on my 89 when my buddy had the tranny out. it was a 1/4 npt because i needed a bigger adapter for the pressure sensor that came with my gauge. it was a 1/8 NPT. im kinda wishing i did the T to keep the factory gauge too. i now have the "engine" light illuminated since its not sensing any oil pressure. but i know im making 40-50 psi.
 

Petri317

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Take the "Engine" Light bulb out, and problem solved. That's what I did with my incessant "Rear ABS" light.
 

Goofyexponent

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10 - 4! Thanks again for all the help. Today I am putting the new fenders on it. May make for a tech article installing fenders and mechanical gauges. I will try and take lots of clear pics and write down what I did to install the fender and gauges......it might come in handy someday to someone in my situation!
 

Goofyexponent

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Well, I got the mechanical oil pressure gauge hooked up. The fitting on the back of the block was 1/8 NPT with a riser that turns into 1/4 NPT. I put a T into this by using some 1/2 NPT pipe and a couple reducers. Works like a charm! Damn batteries in the camera died, but I will take pics of my setup when the rain stops.
 

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Feed Bunk

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I would love to see more pics of the install. Im wating for my four gauge pillar mount to come in, and plan on doin pyro,boost, water temp, and oil pres.
 

funnyman06

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Where did you get your gauges? I got mine at AutoZone, they are sunpro, work alright, im thinking of ditching the Voltage for a Pyro and mounting a Tach on my steering colum. I have found the voltage gauge only works half the time anyways...
 

Goofyexponent

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Those are princess auto specials lol. The whole package cost me only $16.99 on sale. Came with the ammeter, water temperature and oil pressure gauges in the pod and all hardware to install. Tomorrow after work I will pull the air cleaner back off and try and get some pics of how I put the T into the setup. I managed to keep my factory oil pressure sender in line with my mechanical gauge.

The hardest part of the whole install was getting the threads tight, it's in a kind of tight spot between the glow plug controller and firewall, but with a little creativity it can be done right. To make it work, I used this kind of 1/4 NPT tee and this style 1/4 - 1/8 NPT reducer at the bottom of the post. My parts were black iron and not brass fittings, but they will all work the same. I left the 1/8 to 1/4 NPT factory riser in place and threaded the T into that. I put the mechanical fitting to the side of the T with the reducer and the factory sender on the top. I thought it may be a little tall, but there was LOTS of room. Make sure to use plumbers dope or teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks.

I am trying to find a spot to insert my mechanical water temperature probe. I have never had to install one of these before. I know it just needs to be placed somewhere in the water jacket system, but I am unsire of a good place to install it and still keep my factory water temperature gauge.

I was going to hook up the ammeter today at the shop, but I didn't have enough wire to do it. I will but wire and camera batteries tomorrow and show how that gets hooked up. It's not a voltage meter, but is similar. It shows charge/discharge in the system not as volts, but as amps.
 

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Goofyexponent

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I hooked up the water temperature gauge today. Easy as pie actually. There was a plug threaded into the top of the water pump. I removed it, and after the antifreeze slowed down I just installed the adaptor and stuck in the probe. Works like a charm. All I want to do now is hook up the ammeter and wire the lights for the gauges to the dash lights. Anyone here know what color wire on the back of the light swtich is for the dimmer/dash lights on a 1993 f250?? I will certainly find it on my own, but knowing before I dive in head first would be nice.
 

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