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Can i use the dash temp gauge sensor

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Old 07-21-2015, 03:50 PM
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Default Can i use the dash temp gauge sensor

...as the coolant temp sensor input on my megasquirt?

I have tried to do this already, and i get a crapton of sporadic behaviour. The gauge oscillates between 82'c, and a temperature figure about twice the engines actual coolant temp.

Car is a '90 1.6. I want to use this sensor for a spaceless reroute as this sensor is just before the thermostat. Search came up with nowt, im stumped. Ta.
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Old 07-21-2015, 04:21 PM
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Only if you disconnect it from both the gauge and body grounds.
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Old 07-21-2015, 04:43 PM
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Ive disconnected it from the gauge, it runs straight to the ECU and nothing else.

Its a one wire sensor though, so theres no seperating it from the engine ground. Dammit.

Thanks.
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Old 07-21-2015, 06:42 PM
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You could get a saturn 1.9L CLT sensor as it's 1/8NPT and fits right in place of that useless dash sensor.

See my thread
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Old 07-23-2015, 06:04 PM
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Ta for the tipoff deezums. Us UK lot never got any saturns but using your info i have found a 2 wire 1/8npt coolant temp sensor on ebay uk, with cal curve data. Hoping this fixes things.

These engines... Metric, BSP, and imperial threads all on one block. Pah.
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Old 07-23-2015, 06:18 PM
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So you know, I'm pretty sure the stock sensor is BSP but NPT is very close and should have no problems sealing. I ran an 1/8NPT tap down it, but I doubt even that is necessary.
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Old 07-23-2015, 06:26 PM
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Ah. 28 tpi for BSP and 27 for NPT aparantly. Im sure itll be fine, its only 8mm or so worth of thread...
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:20 PM
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Quick followup for the search.

1/8 NPT does not thread into 1/8 BSP, you will need to retap. Definatley not doable with the engine in the car/head on the block.

A 2 wire sensor is mandatory, the single wire sensors dont work.

Also make sure you get the resistance/temperature curves from the seller for any sensors bought.
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