FYI: a letter from Autometer - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: FYI: a letter from Autometer
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Below is an email response from Autometer regarding an optional access hole for the sensor of my new autometer water temp gauge. Be advised it is NOT recommended to run a "tee" from the exisiting hole OR swap the autometer sensor with the factory one because the computer needs the factory sensor for adjusting. I also do not have an M1 manifold which has two access holes (so I'm told). With regard to Autometer selling me an adaptor for $25, I think I'll make my own. I'll post a pic of it when I'm done.

From autometer ---> I am sorry, but we have extremely limited information on your 99 5.2L Dodge. We are unaware of the factory thread size or location of the temp sending unit. I looked at a '98 model and found nothing. I would actually recommend using a heater hose T fitting in the heater hose coming from the water pump. That is a 5/8" hose and as long as you keep the fitting close to the water pump, it should be accurate. We offer that heater hose adapter/splice for $24.95 with free
shipping to the lower 48 states. You may call us at 815-895-0801 and order direct as there is no model number available yet on this product and not available through any stores yet.
Thank you.
Cory
Tech/Service

racerX
Dodge Dakota
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7/28/2004
20:13:46

RE: FYI: a letter from Autometer
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so they sell this T fitting that mounts up to the heater hose, and you can put the sensor in there? sounds pretty good to me. thanks for the info Scojo

.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2004
00:08:52

RE: FYI: a letter from Autometer
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As I understand it, water flows in from the pump, through the block, to the heads, intake manifold, and out through the thermostat. If the heater is on, water will flow from the intake manifold, to the heater core, back to the water pump, and into the block again.

A sensor in the heater line will probably be fairly accurate if it's very close to the manifold. You won't have water running over the sensor, though, when the heater is off. It will read conducted temp, not actual. When the heater is on, it will be as close as any other probe placement.

If you want it to be exact, it needs to be in the main outflow tract all the time. Get a heavy wall alum pipe, the same outside diameter as the inside of the upper heater hose and about 4" long. Weld a pipe bung to the middle for the temp probe. Either flare the ends, or place pope rivits in the end for hose retention. Splice this pipe in to the upper radiator hose. Once the thermostat opens, you will be reading final water temp.

I bet it would cost less than $25 to make that part.

Or if you want something fancy/schmancy, look here: http://breezeautomotive.com/customer/home.php?cat=17&xid=5832d85dbc3141ce9cf3ebdb1f21b47b

It's expensive, but it looks good.

Allan
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2004
08:31:33

RE: FYI: a letter from Autometer
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I thought that the heater coils were always flowing but that the heater in the cab was turned on and off by opening and closing the airflow through the heater coils.(radiator)

Youareright
Dodge Dakota
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7/30/2004
16:58:31

RE: FYI: a letter from Autometer
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Allan, you are right the coolant flows through the heater all of the time.

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