I have a 1981 Fleetwood with a 368 8-6-4. I want to put in a engine coolant temperature gauge but I've read that removing the factory temperature sensor (located next to the thermostat) might affect the computer. Is this a problem for this engine? And is there another location that I could install the gauge?

 

do not remove the sensor.

as to adding a temp gauge, visit your local parts house and see what options they offer to add coolant system gauges & sensor. there are several.

maybe someone here has done it and can also advice.


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Could you possibly describe to me a bit what one of the other solutions you are talking about? Nobody seems to have any idea what I am talking about. I've been to a bunch of places.

 

don't do this by yourself;
The coolant temperature sensors are located near the thermostat housing. They are used by the computer for several things. i.e they are used to sense the temperature of the engine at the computer to adjust the fuel mixture. When the computer senses that the engine is cold through the use of the sensor it will increase the on-time of the injector.

There are several options to install temperature gauge. so take the advise from your near workshop centre engineer.



Cadillac STS-V

 

A friend suggested that i might be able to put the sender in one of the expansion plugs in the block. Any body know a reason why this wouldn't work?

 

Would it work replace the block drain plug with the new temperature sender?

 

if you remove the existing sensor, the car will not run properly. dont do it.

the problem with all the solutions for added gauges that come to mind is one compromises the coolant system and we dont want to do that.

in the old school days, there was a aftermarket gauge where the sensor for the gauge was strapped to the radiator hose .. not exactly accurate, but it did read the temp of the coolant flowing in the hose close enough.

i be concerned about pulling a freeze plug for this matter. these engines do drive with considerable vapor pressure and can easily blow the make shift seals.

if you really really must do this, get a 4" long SS or copper pipe of the same size as the radiator's and cut the upper rad hose at a good place,install the sensor in that pipe, clam the hose. carry a new hose just in case the installation fails 100 miles from no-where.

better yet, weld/solder an extension to the flange .. see pic. then drill and tap for the sensor.





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Does anybody know of a another spot where i could but the temperature sender? is there really no other plugs in the water jacket or water pump?

 

Did you ever figure it out? I have a 1980 Feetwood and I and trying to figure out how to put in a temp gage. It's been a long time since your post so Hopefully you have it figured out