oil temp probe

[Johnny248]

I wanted to add a oil temp guage on my boat's engine. It already has an oil pressure gauge, and I was wondering if it is ok to install a t-fitting where the oil pressure sender is and simply add the temp gauge, or if oil temp should really be read from the pan??

 

[Steve S]

The oil temps in the passages would seem to be the best but I really do not know if it really matters

 

[Johnny248]

I was just wondering, because as far as I know, for measuring transmission temp, it is best to have the sensor in the pan and not in the line to the cooler. In the pan it is the sum of the temps, where as on the hot side line, it's hot, and on the cool side line, well, its cool. So, I was just trying to get some ideas. I've seen some temp senders that actually replaced your oil drain plug..

 

[Rooy]

Adding it on a T is not going to give the best readings because there isn't a lot of flow through a T. Directly in the passage would be good. A sender in the sump would be a better choice if that's your only other option.

 

[Rick in PA]

I don't own a boat, but I like the drain plug idea. If you have access to a lathe, you could probably drill & tap the drain plug for the sender (or a machine shop might do it for a small fee). Plus, if things go bad, you're only replacing a drain plug.

 

[Johnny248]

I could drill and tap my drain plug on my car if I wanted, but some companies make these

http://www.frsport.com/Blitz-19221-Oil-Drain-Plug-Temperature-Sensor-Fitting-Mitsubishi_p_13288.html

But on the boat, I don't really have a drain plug. Where the plug would be is a banjo bolt that runs through the dip stick tube.