Water Temp Gauge Question

[MR2Jedi]

I'm going to be installing an aftermarket water temperature gauge.
My question is : where is the best place for the sensor?

#1.) Hose coming out of the radiator

#2.) Hose going into the block

#3.) Hose coming out of the block(to me, this would reveal the most info as to the heat conditions in the block.)

Thanks guys, I value your advice.

[TheEngineer]

i beleive most people connect into an empty port on the water neck.

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

i beleive most people connect into an empty port on the water neck.

Good idea, but the one I was looking at uses an in-line hose sensor.
I will look into the type you're talking about.

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

Good idea, but the one I was looking at uses an in-line hose sensor.
I will look into the type you're talking about.

Funny i see this thread as i installed one just last week onto my Camry. If the aftermarket sender has a 1/8 thread, you can pull the old sender out and put it in it's place; cheapest and easiest. Mine came with an M10, so i had to use an inline adaptor. I put it in the top radiator hose as it's only a bit past the engine outlet and hasn't been cooled by the radiator. Now you got to find out what temp is overheating.

Also, make sure your gauge's illumination turns off when the 'acc' is off. My cheapie gauge doesn't turn off and i didn't know until i put everything back together. I currently disconnect my battery terminal when i park it for a while, but i'm going to have to solder in a switch...eventally. Opening the hood everyday becomes such a PITA.

[MR2Jedi]

Well, I don't really want the stock gauge to be dead, so I wanna leave it hooked up. That way too, I can gauge what a nominal operating temperature is. The spot TheEngineer suggested is where you're talking about. So I think I will either use that one, or an in line sensor at the hose there-which is where you're suggesting.
I use fuse taps for power. Tapping at the "keyed " side of the fuse, thus it turns off when the car is off .Radio Shack sell these blade fuse taps.
Thanks Guys

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

Well, I don't really want the stock gauge to be dead, so I wanna leave it hooked up. That way too, I can gauge what a nominal operating temperature is. The spot TheEngineer suggested is where you're talking about. So I think I will either use that one, or an in line sensor at the hose there-which is where you're suggesting.
I use fuse taps for power. Tapping at the "keyed " side of the fuse, thus it turns off when the car is off .Radio Shack sell these blade fuse taps.
Thanks Guys

Just make sure the top radiator hose is the outlet from the engine; before it gets cooled by the radiator. I paid $30Au for the adaptor which i think is a rip as it was only a bit of metal. Cost the same as the gauge (got it off ebay).

And dang, i should've investigated fuse taps before i did mine lol. I spliced into the constant 12v for the headunit. There should be plenty for my Camry as i don't have power windows or mirrors lol xD