Installing Gauges & Temperature Senders

[cloudasc]

I ordered some Autometer gauges, and I talked with my mechanic and looked at an f22a1 that he had sitting in the back of his shop. On the back of the block there are several plugs, one leading to the oil passage in the block with a M20x1.5 thread pitch, the coolant passage uses an M18x1.0. I have talked to several machine shops already, thats how I was able to get the measurements. The temperature senders that came with the gauges are 1/8" NPT.

What I was thinking is finding a hex bolt (or any wrenchable type) the proper size & threading all the way up to the head of the bolt, then tap it with 1/8" NPT for the temperature sender. Now my problem is, I can't find any M18x1.0 bolts to tap.

Anyone know of a place I can purchase the M18x1.0 bolt? Length is unimportant.

[cloudasc]

Here are some pictures in case you are having a hard time visualizing:

Left M18x1.0 (Coolant)/ Right M20x1.5 (Oil)

Various NPT Adapters

Left M18x1.0 (Coolant)/ Right M20x1.5 (Oil)

Various NPT Adapters

1/8" Tapered NPT Electric Temperature Senders

This how the 1/8" NPT fits into an adapter

Comparison


For the M18x1.0 I might just have to tap the plug, and once the original plug goes back in, it will be difficult to get back out, and the sensor will have be "the new plug". The M20x1.5 plug can't be tapped because the wrench hole is too large and the sensor would go too deep if tapped. The M20x1.5 Bolt is easier to aquire and shouldn't be so hard aquire and then tap.



Would anyone be interested in these for their cars? Also what other blocks would these plugs work with? I'll post pictures as soon as I figure something out.

[K2e2vin]

Why don't you just tee-off from the stock oil pressure sensor?

[cloudasc]

Why don't you just tee-off from the stock oil pressure sensor?

These would show block internal temps right next to the sleeves in the oil and coolant passages. You can't get more accurate then that. Plus i've heard of problems with tee-offs developing leaks.

[cloudasc]

Well I ended up tapping the block plugs for 1/8" NPT. Now I am ready to wire up my gauges. Here are the pictures of the block fittings with the sensors in them:




I already have had these fittings checked for sensor clearance on another f22a1 block and I am good to go. The sensors will be in the block oil & coolant drain plugs on the back of the block; the coolant sensor is right next the #4 sleeve. Oil temp sensor is between #2 & #3 approximately.