VDO guage sender

[GUJohnno]

I have a VDO temperature guage that is partially wired up, but it doesn't have the sender with it. (was fitted to vehicle when I bought it)

This is in a 91 GQ Patrol Diesel.

Question:

• What type/manufature of sender unit sould I use?
  Where is the best or most optimal position to fit it?
  What would the 'normal' temperature range that I should expect?

Thanx,
John.

[stuee]

I would say a vdo sender wold best suit the vdo gauge

I've got a 52mm vdo temp gauge (310.239) that uses the temp sender part no. 320.002. What sensor should be used depends on the gauge. If you can find the specs for the gauge it usually lists the temp range and ohm range of the sensor to use.

For mounting it I used a pipe with the hole tapped into it that splices into the top radiator hose.

Would't have the foggiest idea aout the operating temps of the patrol. All I now is mine is overheating a touch and needs a flush/new radiator

[GUJohnno]

For mounting it I used a pipe with the hole tapped into it that splices into the top radiator hose.

... so the hose is cut and then joined to each side of the pipe?

Sounds easy, but I would like to try to have as few joins in the cooling system as possible. (just fixed one that was leaking around the join)

[stuee]

For mounting it I used a pipe with the hole tapped into it that splices into the top radiator hose.

... so the hose is cut and then joined to each side of the pipe?

Sounds easy, but I would like to try to have as few joins in the cooling system as possible. (just fixed one that was leaking around the join)

Yes thats correct. I initially wanted to replace the sender in the manifold but I was unsure weather or not the ecu relied on a temp input or not so I added the pipe.

[bogged]

so you want to run both gauges or just one? EG OEM and VDO?

[GUJohnno]

so you want to run both gauges or just one? EG OEM and VDO?

mmm... don't know.

Are you sugesting putting the new sender into where the original is?

Would be intersting to see them both operating for a short time at least to see what sort of range it has.

[bogged]

so you want to run both gauges or just one? EG OEM and VDO?

mmm... don't know.

Are you sugesting putting the new sender into where the original is?

Would be intersting to see them both operating for a short time at least to see what sort of range it has.

thats what I was originally planning on doing - having both.. see how bad the OEM was.. but never had both..

[awill4x4]

Johnno, if you can find a secondhand top thermostat housing I could probably weld a threaded bung on it to suit whatever temp sender you get.
That way you could use both gauges at the same time.
I'm just thinking about using another housing as it allows me time to make up a bung and your vehicle isn't off the road.
Regards Andrew.
ps: VDO gauge, use a VDO sender. They are available from most auto accessory shops.

[GUJohnno]

Thanks for that awill4x4

I'll PM you once I have the parts and we can go from there.

Just push Bogged's intercooler back... he said that'll be fine by him...

[Hoppy11]

I'd say get a VDO sender, with the ecotec V6 I go a spacer made for the thermostat housing and tapped a thread for the Nissan gauge sender and a senser for the commodore thermo fans and the original commodore temp sender is right below them, so the all get the same temp reading below the thermostat..

[GUJohnno]

Nice bit of work there Hoppy11, thanx for the reply

[V8 Middy]

If you're going to run a proper VDO guage, you might as well mount the sender in the block where you'll get the most useful info. I moved the sender fo rthe dash guage into the top rad hose as described above to free up a spot for the mech gauge sender .

Mine has a second sender for the ECU and I would have thought it makes enough sense that most engines would do it but best to check your wiring diagram first