After-Market Water Temp Gauge

Brent13 · 03-24-2005, 04:15 PM

Hello All,

I have ordered a gauge pod for the pillar and have decided I would fill it with a volt meter and a water temp guage. What would be the correct temp range for an 04 3.4L? I believe the one I was looking at was from 100-250F. Would this leave me enough room on the hot end to see a problem with temp?

Also, for those that have installed gauges, what brand and style did you choose to match our Factory gauges. I am looking hard at the Auto Meter Phantom series. They look close with the exception of the lighting. I have yet to find gauges that are lighted with the orange light I currently have in my 04. What is the closest thing out there that matches an 04's gauges???

Thank You,
Brent

AngryAndy · 03-24-2005, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brent13

Hello All,

I have ordered a gauge pod for the pillar and have decided I would fill it with a volt meter and a water temp guage. What would be the correct temp range for an 04 3.4L? I believe the one I was looking at was from 100-250F. Would this leave me enough room on the hot end to see a problem with temp?

Also, for those that have installed gauges, what brand and style did you choose to match our Factory gauges. I am looking hard at the Auto Meter Phantom series. They look close with the exception of the lighting. I have yet to find gauges that are lighted with the orange light I currently have in my 04. What is the closest thing out there that matches an 04's gauges???

Thank You,
Brent

I would think that is about the correct size...

Your temp should stay about 180*, or lower depending on you t-stat.

In MY mind, anything OVER 220-230 is hot, but others may say more....I would think you are okay.

I also have the gauge pod, and installed oil pressure as well as water temp...I have not connected the water temp YET, cause I just dont know where to put the sender...

From what I have researched (months ago) the best way is to have an aluminum block of some sort machined to accept the new gauge sending unit, and the alum. block goes in series with your water lines (like in and out of the heater core)...not sure about that part though...someone should make an 'idiot' block for idiots like me...

-Angry Andy

98 Taco · 03-24-2005, 08:00 PM

I think you can tap into the idiot light's sending unit on the block
On my 3RZ-FE, I have a water temp sensor wired to the ECU at the back of the engine and the idiot light sender right at the fron
I am going to tap into that
I am also going to run a oil pressure gauge, too using a T-ftting to run the stock oil pressure and the gauge's too

EnolaGaia · 03-25-2005, 05:35 PM

The closest stock matches for the Taco orange thru-the-dial illumination are:
- Defi D-Gauge (US units of measurement; 52mm)
- Defi-Link BFA (Amber - 'smart box' gauge / expensive; 60mm)
- GReddy Silver Series 60mm ('controller' gauge / expensive)
- Autometer's new Nexus series (controller gauge / expensive)
I'm not sure, but I believe there are such things as Omori 52mm gauges with orange thru-the-dial lighting. You may have major problems getting 'em though - Omori distribution appears to be sketchy.
If you'll settle for red rather than amber / orange: Autometer, Westach, VDO, Datcon , and SPA Technique (digital duals).

EnolaGaia · 03-25-2005, 05:38 PM

A little clarification... If you want to most closely match the orange illumination, you need to make sure you get gauges that light up thru-the-dial, and not from the front or reflected off the periphery. Different manufacturers use different lighting schemes, and the approach may vary between different series within one brand...

03-24-2005, 04:15 PM	#1
Brent13 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 93	After-Market Water Temp Gauge Hello All, I have ordered a gauge pod for the pillar and have decided I would fill it with a volt meter and a water temp guage. What would be the correct temp range for an 04 3.4L? I believe the one I was looking at was from 100-250F. Would this leave me enough room on the hot end to see a problem with temp? Also, for those that have installed gauges, what brand and style did you choose to match our Factory gauges. I am looking hard at the Auto Meter Phantom series. They look close with the exception of the lighting. I have yet to find gauges that are lighted with the orange light I currently have in my 04. What is the closest thing out there that matches an 04's gauges??? Thank You, Brent

03-24-2005, 08:00 PM	#3
98 Taco shalom biatch Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: glendale heights,il Posts: 1,066	I think you can tap into the idiot light's sending unit on the block On my 3RZ-FE, I have a water temp sensor wired to the ECU at the back of the engine and the idiot light sender right at the fron I am going to tap into that I am also going to run a oil pressure gauge, too using a T-ftting to run the stock oil pressure and the gauge's too __________________ 1998 std cab taco sold 1/9/08

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03-25-2005, 05:35 PM	#4
EnolaGaia Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 984	The closest stock matches for the Taco orange thru-the-dial illumination are: - Defi D-Gauge (US units of measurement; 52mm) - Defi-Link BFA (Amber - 'smart box' gauge / expensive; 60mm) - GReddy Silver Series 60mm ('controller' gauge / expensive) - Autometer's new Nexus series (controller gauge / expensive) I'm not sure, but I believe there are such things as Omori 52mm gauges with orange thru-the-dial lighting. You may have major problems getting 'em though - Omori distribution appears to be sketchy. If you'll settle for red rather than amber / orange: Autometer, Westach, VDO, Datcon , and SPA Technique (digital duals).

03-25-2005, 05:38 PM	#5
EnolaGaia Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 984	A little clarification... If you want to most closely match the orange illumination, you need to make sure you get gauges that light up thru-the-dial, and not from the front or reflected off the periphery. Different manufacturers use different lighting schemes, and the approach may vary between different series within one brand...