VDO temp gauge for GU patrol

[PCRman]

I'm looking at putting an extra water temperature gauge in a '01 GU TD42T patrol.
I'm planning on using the spare hole in the thermostat housing on the engine side (closest hole to the front). As near as I can tell the thread is M12x1.5mm, but VDO don't make a water temp sender with this thread(or an adapter to allow one to fit). My question is..

Can I use VDO oil temp sender (#320-010, 323-18 ohm, 50-150 deg C) with VDO oil temp gauge (#310-010-015, 323-18 ohm, 50-150 deg C) to measure coolant temp?

As near as i can tell the sender shouldn't care what medium it is in providing the gauge has matching resistance properties to allow it to read accurately.

Anyone used this combo or have an opinion about the feasibility of this plan.

[dont_follow_me]

I am about to fit one to my TD42 GQ and it seems most if not all aftermarket senders have a 1/8NPT thread with is totally incompatible with the Patrols. VDO might be the same.

I have found this little gadget which goes in the top radiator hose and takes a 1/8NPT thread so it might also suit your application. It available through auto shops and is distributed by speco.

hope that helps

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/ftopic158715.php

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 3DWatching

http://www.speco.com.au/gauges_ad.html#radiator

[PCRman]

Cheers for the info.

I'm really wanting a sender on the engine side of the thermostat to guard against thermostat failures.

Fortunatly the speco link you posted included has the details for a 1/8 NPT (internal thread) to M12x1.5mm (external thread) adapter. I should be able to use this with the standard VDO 1/8" water temp sensor and gauge.

Many thanks

[PCRman]

So the sender is in (vdo sender 1/8" nptf with M12x1.5 to 1/8" nptf speco adapter) and is connected to a matching VDO gauge. Driving down the freeway at 100kph on a cool night, unloaded the VDO gauge reads about 80degC (or just over) the nissan gauge is at about halfway ("normal position") can anyone confirm if this temp is in agreement with their own aftermarket gauges?

Also what is the official nissan "normal" operating temperature for coolant?

[dont_follow_me]

my GQ thermostat is 82 degrees and I am pretty sure the GU uses the same thermostat from memory. So your gauge is pretty accurate being within 2 degrees.