I did a search and either I'm not understanding it, or just plain confused.
We picked an aftermarket temp gauge for the sons truck.
I understand that we can put it in the factory location at the back of the block which omits the factory gauge. However we would like to keep that gauge active as well.
We read where some 5.0 guys put it in/by the thermostat.
Does that read properly and have any of you done this?
First picture is of the factory sensor pulled out.
Second picture is of the thermostat housing.
Third picture is of probe in the housing.

 

I have used both locations. The location in the thermo housing will read about 20 hotter than at rear of block. Block will show temp of coolant coming in, whereas the thermo will reveal temp of heated coolant leaving the engine.

I would say to buy a good gauge. The SunPro brand fails every 1-2 years. The present Summit catalog has AutoMeter gauges for $60!

 

Thank you sir.
We are using VDO gauges. I've had good luck with them in my diesel and opted to use them in his truck as well.

 

I was wrong. The kid picked out Sunpro gauges for his truck. It's already out the package and mocked up, so we will run with it.
Thanks for the heads up that they do not last.

 

Understand that the 1/4" NPT port on the right side rear of the block is the correct place for the temperature gauge for inlet coolant temperature.

There is also a 1/4"PT plug in the block on the right side about mid way.
Is this port a coolant drain plug.

 

Please do a follow up post on how well this works and a link for the gauge.

 

Well the gauge is currently in the thermostat housing port as posted in previous pictures. After we do some more run time, I'll follow up. I am thinking about switching the senders around. Move the factory sender from the back of the block to the thermostat housing and vice versa. The aftermarket gauge has only so much length for the probe and we are using all of it to reach the front of the engine. Not sure I like how tight it is.

 

The port on the passenger side of the block thats referred to above goes right into the water jacket in the block. Could be used for a sensor if you wanted to. The plug doesnt normally come out easily, so you might have to wrestle it for a minute or two.

 

I took the stock one out, wires broke. So I put a mechanical one in, AutoZone cheapo. It reads what I believe to be correct. Thermostat opens at about 190 and drops down to about 160 and then runs at 180 all day on the highway at 2800rpms lugging 33" tires. That's the plug in the front of the block