Oil Temp vs Water Temp Guage
 

I am preparing to install guages in my truck, as I do not have an E4OD, I do not need a Tranny Temp guage. Which guage would be more desireable Oil Temp or Water Temp, both are available.

They are both important and this really is a hard choice. I voted water temp simply for the fact that the PCM already monitors oil temp so if you even got autoengiuity or other scanner you can watch that if needed, Also coolant keeps the engine cool as well as the oil. If your coolant starts to overheat an oil temp will still show you it overheating but not as accurately or quickly.

I use one gauge for both.
2 sensors with a switch.
Flip of the switch i can see water or oil.

Bill

Now that is an idea!!! Bill you are the man!! why didn't I think of that!! Where do you have your oil temp sender? Also are oil temps senders different than water temp?

Same sensor Tim.
Mine is at the oil filters to show peak oil temp.

Bill

thats what I figured. I also have my oil pressure guage as well as the bypass hose there. I might have to get fancy with the plumbing!!

At the filter it will show average 20+*F hotter. Than in the scan.
I would say the oil peaks even higher in the HPOP system. Iam not willing to install it in the HPOP system. "Just another place for a possible leak"

Bill

So the switch between the two is it as simple as it seems in my coconut? Do you just have a two position switch, the common going to the guage?

Great idea!! Rep. Point sent.

Thanks!

Just install a SPDT switch and use the common to feed the gauge.
The switchover is not instant. It takes a little time to settle to the changed sensor.

Bill

I voted "water temp" for the same reasons TJ stated.

Madvan - rep points coming your way. The guages on a switch idea is fantastic. Care to post or PM a schematic for the electronically-challenged individuals (like me)?

Tim could link a diag here. Iam PC stupid!
My van has 2 switches (spdt). I have 1 gauge 140* to 300*.
I use it for oil, water, trans. Not alot of room in a van for gauges.
My stuff is down low. Out of walkby eye view. If i piller mounted gauges i would be replacing them along with a side window weekly!

Bill

try this. i think it is what you have in mind. I had a volt guage monitoring two diffrent batteries connected like this once.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2360443840102203982aVsCov?vhost=good-times

That is simpler than I thought. I didn't see a ground wire. That comes off of the gauge, right?

the sending units ground to the block where they are installed. the only other ground would be for the light in the guage