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Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130



Hey Everyone,

So I'm still trying to install this "autometer" electric gauge that I purchased. It came with the senser and two different, larger diameter adaptors, but neither of those matches the threaded hole in the valve-head of the engine where the old sensor goes.

I asked the crowd what the dimensions and threads of that hole are in an earlier post, but nobody seemed to come up with a similar answer amoungst each other. I also went on a goose chase to a number of different hardware stores, but none of the sales-assistants could help me get a correctg match. The closest I was able to find was a nut that matched the old senser-threads which was a 16mm, 1.5-pitch -- even that however seems just slightly too loose.

I'm kind of at wit's end trying to find a match now. I had an idea that perhaps I could purchase a tap and die kit and perhaps make the female threads myself into the old sensor nut, which obviously is the correct mate with my block. The new electric sensor specs are 1/8 NPT, and the diamter seems to be pretty close to the interior hole of the old sensor nut.

What do you guys think? I have zero experience with taping and threading a hole like this, so I don't know what's possible. The metal of the old nut seems to be pretty hard metal....

Am I crazy? Should I hire a pro machine shop to do this perhaps? Then I'm in for at least $30 to $50 minimuim for the labor.

What do ya think? Is tapping new threads hard? It seems like it might be a good skill to learn. I'm in Portland BTW, should anybody have the time, tools, and interest to attempt this with me.









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    Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130

    The thread/fitting is a female SAE J512 3/8" 45° flare fitting.
    So a fitting to screw into the head will be a MALE SAE J512 3/8" 45° flare fitting. Get an adaptor with a small enough hole that you can tap it for the
    1/8"-27 NPT thread on the part you have.
    You can see the sizes of pipe and tube fittings and threads on this webpage:
    http://www.hydraulicwarehouse.com/c-16-size-chart.aspx
    The J512 threads and sizes are about the third chart down on the page.
    --
    George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!








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    Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130

    Hello,

    I measured an old sensor and the thread was 5/8" x 18 and I have not be able to find a suitable adapter, even from Autometer.

    The simplist solution is to get an old electronic sending unit from a 240 to make an adapter. Remove the guts while leaving the hex part and the probe below it. You can then drill through and tap for 1/8NPT.
    --
    Eric
    Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
    Torrance, CA 90501








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      Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130

      You can get one at the auto parts store or a plumbing supply.
      It is an SAE J512 45° flare fitting, 3/8" tubing size.
      This is a handy webpage for such things:
      http://www.hydraulicwarehouse.com/c-16-size-chart.aspx
      --
      George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!








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      Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130

      I believe that it is a standard flare tubing size.
      Have not checked my references yet but remember that the flare tubing on old
      Volvo brakes is also a bolt thread - 3/8"-24 UNF.
      --
      George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!








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    Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130

    Autometer sells a metric installation kit. Try that.








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      Saga of the new, electric temp-gauge 120-130




      Right.... I di check their website and they do have a adaptor going from 1/8 NPT to "16M 1.5", but as I was saying, that thread size seems just slightly loose on my original OEM sensor threads. There's a slight wiggle that makes me worried. Oh, and the only adaptor of that size is actually specified for their oil-pressure kit, and does not look like it would allow for getting the sensor head fully immersed in the coolant for an accurate read:

      http://www.autometer.com/cat_accessoriesdetail.aspx?vid=58

      So.. I was thinking... what better match-up than to use the original threads?







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