A multi-use gauge mod – transmission fluid/engine oil temperature

I have Dakota Digital’s ( http://dakotadigital.com/ ) voltmeter and transmission fluid temperature gauges mounted in a dual gauge A pillar mounted pod. I would like an engine oil temperature gauge, but have no additional mounting space.

I got to thinking that I could use the same gauge head ( the transmission fluid temperature head since I already have it and it reads 0- 400°F; the same as the engine oil temperature head ) to keep an eye on both engine oil temperature as well as transmission fluid temperature. I would, of course need separate sending units and a SPDT switch ( single pole, double throw ).

The transmission fluid temperature sending unit is already installed in use ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127283&highlight=transmission+cooler ) . I had to install an engine oil temperature sending unit. In view of the fact that I have an Amsoil By Pass oil filter system installed ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126111&highlight=bypass ), an oil temperature sender mounting location already exists in the bypass oil filter manifold. I had to remove one of the plugs and install a bushing and the engine oil temperature sender ( sealed with Loctite 545 thread sealer [ http://www.loctite.com/int_henkel/l...isp_language=en ]).

I installed the switch on the top of the gauge pod. This was accomplished by drilling a ¼” hole in the pod and attaching the switch.

After that, I had to run a signal wire from the engine oil temperature sender under the truck, through the engine bay, up the A pillar to the switch. The signal wire from the transmission fluid temperature sender was moved from the gauge head to the switch. A new wire was run from the center position of the switch to the gauge head. All wires were secured with wire ties.

All I needed to purchase for this installation was a SPDT switch ( Radio Shack part number 275-635 for $3.49 [ http://www.radioshack.com/product.a..._011_002_015_006&product_id=275-635&hp=search ] ) and a Dakota Digital oil temperature sender ( part number SEN-04-3 for $10.25 [ http://www.dakotadigital.com/index....tegory_id=262/home_id=59/mode=prod/prd326.htm ] ). The bushing, Loctite, wire and fittings were from existing supply in my shop.

This project took 1 ½ hours to complete and cost about $20.00.

I can now monitor either transmission fluid temperature or engine oil temperature at the flick of a switch.

Sweet.

That's a pretty good idea. Nice mod.

Looks awesome! might wanna get some more custom labels though, other than that it's an awesome way to monitor your fluid temps without cluttering gauges all over your dash, nicely done.

Skibum1989 said:

Looks awesome! might wanna get some more custom labels though,

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I put some stick on letters just to see how they would look. I do not like them at all; they went away. For now, I think it will remain lableless.

Very nice Al. How is the by pass filter system working for you? Mine is on its way via UPS to my house and should arrive either tommorow or monday. Just curious to see how well its holding up.

The bypass system works marvelously as demonstrated by UOA.

that is a WAY cool idea
have you ever considered a stering collum pod ?

Where did you get the pillar pods? Is that just a universal item attached to the original pillar cover?

Do a search on the forum for gauge pod, you should find some good info.

rokr1292 said:

Where did you get the pillar pods? Is that just a universal item attached to the original pillar cover?

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Dakotadigital also has a single gauge pod as well. The one I got is for a ranger, but it fits my explorer.

AutoMeter pillar pod

I purchased an AutoMeter 15308 pillar pod. I believe it was offerred on eBay.