...I posted this on the Lightning forum, but maybe get some ideas here as well...

I tapped into the following line as shown in this pic from another person's install:



I actually set mine up EXACTLY the same way...

Also installed a 160* stat at the same time.

My questions are:
* - What kind of temps is your Autometer gauge showing when the truck is fully warmed up?

My gauge doesnt start reading for some time, until cruising around after about 5 mins or so, then only shows about 148-152* crusing at 80mph in 70-80 degree weather. Checked the readings at the same time from the dash cluster hack, and showed 80-82*C (or about 180*F). Why such a huge difference? Is my gauge bad, or is that line THAT much cooler than wherever the factory gauge is reading from.

and..

* - Where exactly does the temperature reading come from on the dash (odometer hack)...????

The hottest I've seen on the Autometer is 160 - 162*F, when I was running at about 80mph in OD, with 90*F ambient temperatures.


Thanks in advance,
-Jeff

 

What hose is that? If you tapped a line out of the radiator your temp would be lower than a reading off a line in. My guess is the odometer reading is either a head temp, or a pre-radiator reading. If your reading is out temp from the radiator I'd probably keep it.

 

Jeff,

The reading you are getting from the dash is the cylinder head temp not the coolant temp. By installing a 160° thermostat you are lowering the engine temp and it is taking quite a while for the reading to register. Don't forget that a 160° thermostat is fully open when the coolant temp is at 160. I can not be sure from the picture but if the meter is plummed into the heater core return line, this will cause a lower temp as it has had to tavel through the heater core and shed some of its heat.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I *think* (not sure, just followed someone else's instructions) that it is reading right after it exits the block, rather than right after the radiator. The location of that line is on the back of the block, passenger side.

Ahhh, that would make sense then, why the dash temp readings are still pretty close to "stock" prior to the t-stat install.

Thanks for all your help.. I bet it really is running at 160-163* WOT sweet. Prolly reads right on the money.