Maybe this would work for you?
Cooling system hose temps
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 534
Cooling system hose temps
1955 F250 223 IL6.
Which hose has a better representation of coolant temp...upper or lower. I am considering putting a temp sensor in one of the hoses and getting the highest temp would be ideal.
I am looking at having a 3D printed inline fitting made with a 3/8" NPT fitting as the line ones you can buy don't come with that fitting size and the only temp sensor that works with my gauge is 3/8".
Also, for which ever hose is recommended what would the inside diameter be so I can provide to the 3D printing guy.
Thanks!
Which hose has a better representation of coolant temp...upper or lower. I am considering putting a temp sensor in one of the hoses and getting the highest temp would be ideal.
I am looking at having a 3D printed inline fitting made with a 3/8" NPT fitting as the line ones you can buy don't come with that fitting size and the only temp sensor that works with my gauge is 3/8".
Also, for which ever hose is recommended what would the inside diameter be so I can provide to the 3D printing guy.
Thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 114
Likes: 41
From: Fort Collins, CO
Don't forget the sensor will probably need a electrical ground. So finding a port or making one close to the hot side of the thermostat in metal would be best. That is the way automotive engineering has done it forever.
Last edited by Truckfarm; Mar 1, 2026 at 08:45 AM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 948
Likes: 342
From: Newton Illinois
My opinion is that either radiator hose is a poor place for a temp sensor to monitor engine temp, it should be in the block.
a gauge sender in the radiator will work really poorly in cold weather, also if you have a coolant leak or air pocket that causes water circulation to stop the gauge will never show hot. and a stuck closed thermostat would never show hot.
Also I personally would absolutely never use a untested 3D printed part for such a critical component in such a hostile enviorment.
You can make your own fitting for a temp sender, take a piece of the correct size exhaust pipe and weld in a 3/8" NPT bung.
A temp sensor in the radiator hose is useful for controlling the radiator electric fan(s)
a gauge sender in the radiator will work really poorly in cold weather, also if you have a coolant leak or air pocket that causes water circulation to stop the gauge will never show hot. and a stuck closed thermostat would never show hot.
Also I personally would absolutely never use a untested 3D printed part for such a critical component in such a hostile enviorment.
You can make your own fitting for a temp sender, take a piece of the correct size exhaust pipe and weld in a 3/8" NPT bung.
A temp sensor in the radiator hose is useful for controlling the radiator electric fan(s)
Last edited by lshort; Mar 1, 2026 at 09:44 AM.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
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My opinion is that either radiator hose is a poor place for a temp sensor to monitor engine temp, it should be in the block.
a gauge sender in the radiator will work really poorly in cold weather, also if you have a coolant leak or air pocket that causes water circulation to stop the gauge will never show hot. and a stuck closed thermostat would never show hot.
Also I personally would absolutely never use a untested 3D printed part for such a critical component in such a hostile enviorment.
You can make your own fitting for a temp sender, take a piece of the correct size exhaust pipe and weld in a 3/8" NPT bung.
A temp sensor in the radiator hose is useful for controlling the radiator electric fan(s)
a gauge sender in the radiator will work really poorly in cold weather, also if you have a coolant leak or air pocket that causes water circulation to stop the gauge will never show hot. and a stuck closed thermostat would never show hot.
Also I personally would absolutely never use a untested 3D printed part for such a critical component in such a hostile enviorment.
You can make your own fitting for a temp sender, take a piece of the correct size exhaust pipe and weld in a 3/8" NPT bung.
A temp sensor in the radiator hose is useful for controlling the radiator electric fan(s)
I don't know how to weld and really don't know anyone with welding equipment so I have to work with what I can get commercially.
You can get high temperature composite 3D parts as well as printed metal parts so I am not concerned about the temperature issues, but the cost may be prohibitive
The inline fitting above would work, but they do not make any with a 3/8" fitting, all I can find is 1/4 and 1/8. I was looking at getting one and drilling it out and tapping it for 3/8.
Last edited by 8pack; Mar 1, 2026 at 06:12 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,671
Likes: 367
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Stewart Warner and several other companies made adapters to basically take a pipe thread hole and adapt it to whatever size pipe thread you need. I used them all the time when I was a mechanic at a speed shop.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the shelf inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the shelf inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
Last edited by truckeemtnfords; Mar 1, 2026 at 10:16 PM.
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Fleet Mechanic
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Stewart Warner and several other companies made adapters to basically take a pipe thread hole and adapt it to whatever size pipe thread you need. I used them all the time when I was a mechanic at a speed shop.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the self inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the self inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
However, Do you mean one of these?The picture is an example not the correct measurements.
I am going from 3/8" down to 1/4". If I was going up it would be no problem. The bulb of the sender will not fit in the adapter, it is too large and there is not enough room to drill the adapter out to accept the bulb.
In the picture below on the right side is the adapter I bought which is 3/8 to 1/4 and on the left is the temp sender. You can see that the bulb on the temp sender is almost same size as the threads on the 3/8 to 1/4 adapter so it won't fit down into the adapter and into the head.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
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From: Burbank, WA
I don't know what a 3D printed part would cost, but hose adapters for temp senders are common on old tractors. Here's a unit used on N tractors. https://www.steinertractor.com/FDS26...e-Adapter-Pipe
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,671
Likes: 367
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Seeing what your working with helps a lot, thanks for the pic. Two additional options for you that I would consider is an OHM matching sender in 1/4 NPT or enlarging your opening and tap 3/8 NPT.. Either would be the cleanest way in my eyes.
Good luck
I just went and looked at your other post and see your still 6V, so tapping might be the only option of the two I suggested.
Good luck
I just went and looked at your other post and see your still 6V, so tapping might be the only option of the two I suggested.
Last edited by truckeemtnfords; Apr 4, 2026 at 01:47 PM.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 534
Seeing what your working with helps a lot, thanks for the pic. Two additional options fir you that I would consider is an OHM matching sender in 1/4 NPT or enlarging your opening and tap 3/8 NPT.. Either would be the cleanest way in my eyes.
Good luck
I just went and looked at your other post and see your still 6V, so tapping might be the only option of the two I suggested.
Good luck
I just went and looked at your other post and see your still 6V, so tapping might be the only option of the two I suggested.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
and even has a threaded hole for a ground wire attachment for your sender.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AutoM...er,113688.html
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 948
Likes: 342
From: Newton Illinois
Stewart Warner and several other companies made adapters to basically take a pipe thread hole and adapt it to whatever size pipe thread you need. I used them all the time when I was a mechanic at a speed shop.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the shelf inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
I don't know where you have looked but I know they are still available. They make them for both pipe thread (electic temp gauges) and with the shelf inside needed when using a mechanical water temp gauge.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 534
Here is something that might work for you. An Autometer 2283 Water Temp Raditor Hose Adapter. Its for 1 1/2" hose with a 3/8" bung
and even has a threaded hole for a ground wire attachment for your sender.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AutoM...er,113688.html
and even has a threaded hole for a ground wire attachment for your sender.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AutoM...er,113688.html
Thank you!!