In addition to fitting my oil pressure gauge, I'm also trying to fit a water temp one. The sensor for this gauge is also 1/8 NPT, which definitely won't fit in the stock location.

 

I'm thinking about drilling and tapping a 1/8NPT thread into a suitable location on my top water pipe to fit the sensor (when I can find the right bloody tap...). Will this work, or will I not get a good seal without getting a boss welded on first?

In addition to fitting my oil pressure gauge, I'm also trying to fit a water temp one. The sensor for this gauge is also 1/8 NPT, which definitely won't fit in the stock location.

 

I'm thinking about drilling and tapping a 1/8NPT thread into a suitable location on my top water pipe to fit the sensor (when I can find the right bloody tap...). Will this work, or will I not get a good seal without getting a boss welded on first?

 

I'm not convinced that the wall thickness of the upper water pipe is sufficient to tap. I've always seen this modification done with the use of a small boss welded on. I've got some stainless steel 1/8NPT bosses in stock (£10) if you need any.

 

HTH

 

Dan

Thanks for the quick reply Dan :) Not being a welder myself, how would I go about getting the boss attached though? Will SS weld OK to ally? And does anyone know who could do it for me?

 

Alternatively, have I got any other options for fitting the sensor? Or can I get a pipe with the boss already fitted from somewhere?

 

Sorry for the game of 50 questions so early in the day ;)

NO, SS won't weld to ali. I'd get a stock pipe 2nd hand and try it personally. Tapping drill for NPT is an odd size though, something like 8.6mm/0.339" (Rob will no doubt be along to correct me!).

I'd just take it to an engineering shop and get them to do it. There's not a huge pressure on there and tapered threads with a bit of sealant seal very well.

If the stock pipe is > than about 3mm then I'd say give it a go. Failing that then just get a piece of ali welded on and tap and drill that. Chances are that if you buy a pre-tapped boss it will distort during welding.

Edited January 22, 200916 yr by John Dixon

I fitted my sensor in the stock pipe,as John has mentioned a tapered thread + sealant does the job,not had any probs with it.

I fitted my sensor in the stock pipe,as John has mentioned a tapered thread + sealant does the job,not had any probs with it.

 

Cheers mate - maybe I'll get hold of another second hand pipe and give it a go on that one. At least I can still drive the car if I knacker it that way!

Hehe as per what you have just said John - thanks to you too!

john... you dont by any chance know the thread size of the stock water temp sender do ya? the one for the gauge...

I think it's M12x1.5 but don't quote me on it!

If you an ali boss welded on let me know.

 

Paul

I think it's M12x1.5 but don't quote me on it!

 

cheerZ chap.. il try 1 in there...

 

:headvswal doh.. just

'd you on it :p :tongue: