oil temperature gauge

[karl61]

can some one explain the basics for an oil temperaure gauge - how do they get the temperature for the oil. I've seen one for a harley that looks like it just replaces the oil stick but if it is digital then where does the sensor go to - is there a wire that goes into the engine?

thanks for your time and information,

Karl

[Scooterbob]

can some one explain the basics for an oil temperaure gauge - how do they get the temperature for the oil. I've seen one for a harley that looks like it just replaces the oil stick but if it is digital then where does the sensor go to - is there a wire that goes into the engine?

thanks for your time and information,

Karl

Something quick and easy would be just a gauge in the fill port, such as this sight I found --> http://www.getgeared.co.uk/moto-detail_Motorcycle_Oil_Temperature_Gauge_No_11, but I would like to know as well if there is a viable option also to mount a decent looking gauge somewhere.

[Marsh White]

I have a VDO Oil Temp gauge mounted on my 89 FJ.

Kind of a bad pic of it - but you can see it in the lower right hand corner:


This VDO Oil temp gauge has been on my FJ since 1989. It works great. About 5 years ago I
replaced the gauge with a new one (after 15 years the needle
started to bounce around). It is backlit as well (with color choices
included) and fits perfectly on my 1989 FJ. I'm sure the gauge would fit in
the fairing on all FJs. The sender will fit all FJs of course. A nicer,
cheaper alternative to the filler cap gauge in my opinion.

VDO Oil Temp Gauge:
Part Number: VDO 310-106
Price: $25.95
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=VDO%20310-106&dds=1

VDO Sender Plug:
Part Number: VDO 323-423
Price: $24.95
http://tinyurl.com/8m6c2

[karl61]

Thank you for the information.

[Scooterbob]

I have a VDO Oil Temp gauge mounted on my 89 FJ.
This VDO Oil temp gauge has been on my FJ since 1989. It works great. About 5 years ago I
replaced the gauge with a new one (after 15 years the needle
started to bounce around). It is backlit as well (with color choices
included) and fits perfectly on my 1989 FJ. I'm sure the gauge would fit in
the fairing on all FJs. The sender will fit all FJs of course. A nicer,
cheaper alternative to the filler cap gauge in my opinion.

VDO Oil Temp Gauge:
Part Number: VDO 310-106
Price: $25.95
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=VDO%20310-106&dds=1

VDO Sender Plug:
Part Number: VDO 323-423
Price: $24.95
http://tinyurl.com/8m6c2

I agree, the option you have is much nicer.  One question.  Where did you mount the sending unit? Is it the drainplug?!

[mikeholzer]

Marsh, what is the LED numeral in the center of the gage panel for?

[Firehawk068]

Marsh,
I bought this exact gauge/sender from Summit, but ran out of time for install before the WCR....
I got the oil galley plug adaptor for the sender, but am not sure which one to use to get the most accurate reading.....looks like there are about 4 or 5 to choose from.
I would assume I would use one of the ones closest to the oil pan, but could use some advice on this.
Any legends racers with a oil temp gauge......which one do you use?

[racerrad8]

Marsh,
I bought this exact gauge/sender from Summit, but ran out of time for install before the WCR....
I got the oil galley plug adaptor for the sender, but am not sure which one to use to get the most accurate reading.....looks like there are about 4 or 5 to choose from.
I would assume I would use one of the ones closest to the oil pan, but could use some advice on this.
Any legends racers with a oil temp gauge......which one do you use?

The best place to check temp is in the oil galley on the engine, the black galley plugs located at either end under the covers or directly in the center of the crankcase behind the header.

The second place would be the oil pan galley which is circulating only the oil cooling system and giving you a true reading of the actual temperature through the engine.

The pan galley and the crankcase galleys are differnet sizes as well so it might depend on which adapter you bought.

Brand of gauge really doesn't matter; I use both Autometer and S&W gauges.

Personally we run a remote oil filter and tap the temp gauge from there which eliminates the bleed over of the actual case temp and provides the actual oil temp.

Randy - RPM

[Marsh White]

Marsh, what is the LED numeral in the center of the gage panel for?

That is a custom made gear indicator - but that is a topic for another thread!

[Firehawk068]

The best place to check temp is in the oil galley on the engine, the black galley plugs located at either end under the covers or directly in the center of the crankcase behind the header.

The second place would be the oil pan galley which is circulating only the oil cooling system and giving you a true reading of the actual temperature through the engine.

The pan galley and the crankcase galleys are differnet sizes as well so it might depend on which adapter you bought.

Brand of gauge really doesn't matter; I use both Autometer and S&W gauges.

Personally we run a remote oil filter and tap the temp gauge from there which eliminates the bleed over of the actual case temp and provides the actual oil temp.

Randy - RPM

Thanks Randy.

The adaptor that I bought is threaded M20x1.5, and accepts an 1/8" pipe thread sender........
I'm guessing if I use the one in the case behind my header, I won't accidentally knock it off the engine

[Marsh White]

FWIW: Here are a couple of crappy cell phone pics of where I mounted the gauge:





The sender is mounted on the right hand side of the engine in one of the galley plugs - I'll try and get a pic of it tomorrow.

[Scooterbob]

Marsh White - What is the normal temp that you see when cruising?

[Marsh White]

Marsh White - What is the normal temp that you see when cruising?

I posted the below message on the Yahoo group in 2005:

In my experience the FJ is warmed up at regular operating temperature at
220. It would probably amaze most people to realize how long it actually
takes to warm up to that temperature...a good 10-15 minutes. During typical
Hwy cruising (85mph)it stays in the 225 range. If I'm pushing it at 95mph
for 20 minutes or so It will get up to 240. I then get a bit concerned and
lower my speed 5-10mph and it will promptly lower back to the 225-230 range.
My point is that you have to really be up in the 6-8K range for a good 15-20
minutes to increase the heat up to the 240 range....and it only takes a
minute or so of relaxing the throttle to lower it back down. Our air cooling
is amazingly effective. I have NEVER seen it above about 243.

One small disclaimer (that to many of you might throw the relevance of the
above out the window): I have a 12 row Fours n' More increased capacity oil
cooler on this FJ. Although the Previous Owner was quite adamant that he never
could tell ANY difference in oil temps once he put that oil cooler on.

[Scooterbob]

Great information.  I frequently ride at about 6K when going to and from work.  I was wondering how bad I was pushing the common limits.  I'm seeing a new oil temp gauge in my near future. 

[pdxfj]

Harvy told me the same thing.  He has a larger oil cooler also and even in the heat of the Aussie summers he noticed no difference between stock or aftermarket one.

I have a 12 row Fours n' More increased capacity oil cooler on this FJ. Although the Previous Owner was quite adamant that he never could tell ANY difference in oil temps once he put that oil cooler on.