Aftermarket Temp Gauge on 5.3

[knightrider2000]

Has any one added an aftermarket Engine Temp gauge To there 5.3? I was wanting to add one since the stock one is not very accurate, but dont know where to put it. I wsa thinking of using a "t" adapter and going in where the factory one is at but it seems to be an odd size, not like the old 350's. Any Ideas??

 

Thanks!!

 

Matt G.

[AZ-Z71]

Where abouts is the temp sensor located on the 99 5.3? Is it on the drivers side of the block at the 11 o'clock position if you are looking at the first spark plug towards the radiator?

[knightrider2000]

Yeah! Thats the one i was thinking of.. is there another??

 

Matt G.

[AZ-Z71]

I don't believe so but I think I might have found out why my temp guage is acting funny and saying the truck is hot.

 

I was in and under the truck in that area the other day while I was changing my half shaft. As I was wiping the grease off that got slung around I noticed this sensor with a wire and thought it may be the temp sensor. As I looked to the right where the header comes around the first spark plug I noticed that the bolt head has been sheared off clear down to the block. So now I'm wondering that when the truck is standing still in line or park with the engine idling if maybe excess heat is escaping from the header right next to the sensor and therefore the giving false readings. If you rev it up maybe there is enough air flow in the engine compartment or the action of reving pushes/pulls the heat away from sensor to eventually come down??

[knightrider2000]

Sounds like a posibbilty.. I think the sensor is only about 20 bucks or so.. might be worth a shot..

 

 

Matt G.

[AZ-Z71]

I'm thinking it is the heat coming from the broken bolt head but may it is the sensor. I wonder how much coolant you would loose?

 

Sorry, but about using the "T" connector, I think my brother did this to his 2001 cougar. I know not the same thing but it could be done. I think the kit he got at Autozone actually had a few different adaptors in the box with the guage. I don't remember the brand but I could ask him if you want. From what I recall there was one "t" but different threaded pieces to add to it to mount to the block hole and to the sensor.

[Rotorwrench]

Don't disconnect the coolant temp sensor from the truck or you will get a check engine light and the truck will not go into closed loop mode. See if you can tap into the exsisting wires and run an extra indicator.

[AZ-Z71]

I think this is what he is trying to do but he has to use the same hole so this is why he wants/needs to go with the "t". I wouldn't go recommending removing the tempsensor because it surely controls a variety of things. If you use a "T" connection you can still keep the factory one plus add the additional one.