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Author Topic: Temperature Gauge for my Interstate?  (Read 2034 times)
BIG--T
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Posts: 3002


1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate

The Twilight Zone


« on: May 24, 2015, 06:22:17 PM »

After I finally got home from  possible overheating, I found out here some 99 Interstates were having this problem so I really don't know if it was or not after cutting my trip short. I have always hated idiot lights.

So my question is has anyone ever put a gauge on theirs? What is the normal operating temperature for it? It would be nice to make it work.  Wink

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Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2015, 07:02:40 PM »

Many have.

Two of my I/Ses were so equipped. As were two of my Tourers.

The first I/S had a set of MC Enterprises oil pressure/water temp/voltmeter gauges (which were OEMmed by Intellitronix). These mounted in a set of cast aluminum cups of MC's design which clamped onto the bars. Since I wanted to utilize three gauges I had to run split risers. Coincidentally, this concept was carried over to my second ('99) Tourer. (The first was set up with Auto Meter 2 5/8" gauges which were mounted in cups that clamped to the engine guards.)

The second I/S uses a set of Stewart-Warner gauges mounted in the radiator pods. Motosens adapters were employed to fit the sensors into the block (ditto for the '99 Tourer).

In all cases, "normal" water temperature at 55-60MPH was around 185F. This crept up if riding in slow traffic on hot days, or if riding up extremely long inclines while 2-up and heavily loaded. The fans come on around 220F and shut off around 195F.

Hope this helps.

« Last Edit: May 24, 2015, 07:13:35 PM by Bagger John - #3785 » Logged
BIG--T
Member
*****
Posts: 3002


1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate

The Twilight Zone


« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2015, 07:36:40 PM »

Many have.

Two of my I/Ses were so equipped. As were two of my Tourers.

The first I/S had a set of MC Enterprises oil pressure/water temp/voltmeter gauges (which were OEMmed by Intellitronix). These mounted in a set of cast aluminum cups of MC's design which clamped onto the bars. Since I wanted to utilize three gauges I had to run split risers. Coincidentally, this concept was carried over to my second ('99) Tourer. (The first was set up with Auto Meter 2 5/8" gauges which were mounted in cups that clamped to the engine guards.)

The second I/S uses a set of Stewart-Warner gauges mounted in the radiator pods. Motosens adapters were employed to fit the sensors into the block (ditto for the '99 Tourer).

In all cases, "normal" water temperature at 55-60MPH was around 185F. This crept up if riding in slow traffic on hot days, or if riding up extremely long inclines while 2-up and heavily loaded. The fans come on around 220F and shut off around 195F.

Hope this helps.



Yes John this has helped immensely! Now to see if I can still locate some of this. I've noticed parts are getting harder to come by and some don't even have a listing for Valkyrie.

Thanks for the help! cooldude
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Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2015, 07:42:26 PM »

Check with Motosens first. Adapters ran me about $80 for both oil pressure and water temp senders.

You can then use any gauge or mounting scheme you like. Including the Motosens setup. cooldude

ETA: You'll need one of P/N G25 and one of G61. Then add your choice of senders and gauges if you opt to use another manufacturer's version.

If you go this route, PM me for some details about getting the adapters and senders to seal properly. Or you could do what I did with the first two Valkyries I owned: Remove radiator and thermostat housing, drill and tap the "unused" sender boss on the right side of the housing for whatever sender you want to use then reinstall thermostat housing. Run a wire from the sender to your gauge, reinstall radiator and fill with coolant - and you're done.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2015, 07:49:42 PM by Bagger John - #3785 » Logged
Daniel Meyer
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Author. Adventurer. Electrician.

The State of confusion.


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« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2015, 07:45:47 PM »

I have a tru-tell dipstick thermometer...it does the job just fine (been in there 200,000 miles now)...

Oil temp is a bit higher than water temps usually...seems to me it'll creep up to 220 or so in heavy traffic/heat...

Is a quality product...

http://www.teltru.com/s-95-honda-motorcycles.aspx
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CUAgain,
Daniel Meyer
Jess from VA
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Posts: 30466


No VA


« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2015, 08:51:20 PM »

I have the Tel-tru's too.  Oil temp may be a bit behind (and higher than) water temp, but you should know when to start looking (hot day, slow/stopped traffic).

Couple things.  They replace the dip, and have a line but I don't know if it's accurate, I always use the OE dip at oil changes (I don't know why I check, I have never burned or leaked a drop) (gallon out, gallon in, repeat every 6K miles).  

It snugs down on an Oring so someone cannot just use fingers to walk away with it.  You need to use a tool to snug and loosen it, if you turn it against force by the dial face, you will change the temp reading to inaccurate (which can be reset to 212* in boiling water).

The 2" gauge face is easier to read than the 1.75" face, but if you have the Kury tranny covers, the 2" face just touches the cover and will mark it (small).  I have one of each on two bikes.

You should never have a heat issue at speed, but it can be a bit hard to see while riding (looking down)  (you can see the sweep, but not read the temps) (I only wear single vision to ride, Varilux lenses in the bags).  So I cut a sliver arrow shape of electrical tape and stuck it over the 220 mark on the gauge face (which is where you need to start paying attention), so when looking down, as long as the gauge sweep is below the 220 benchmark, you are fine.  Mostly, you will be looking down at lights or stuck in traffic and is then easier to read.

I remember reading old threads here where folks tapped into the cooling system for water temps, and the debate was about doing that where the water was hottest (water entering not exiting the radiator).

Mine do not sit this high on the adapter.

  
  
« Last Edit: May 24, 2015, 08:57:37 PM by Jess from VA » Logged
BIG--T
Member
*****
Posts: 3002


1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate

The Twilight Zone


« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2015, 04:16:55 PM »

Thanks John, Daniel and Jess for all that info!!! I was going to do the whole 9 yards with the temp, oil and amp gauge  but that is pretty pricey and a lot more work but I still may do it later. Right now I'm in a hurry to make sure it's not running over 220 and try my trip again next weekend where I know it will be bumper to bumper again. I want to go with  Teltru like y'all suggested since it'll be fast and easy. But it's going to be over 14 plus days before I get it and need it yesterday! Lol.

Thanks John for your offer to help and I may need it later. On ebay they have an el cheapo for like $7 but it's Chinese and I'm scared if it snapped off I'd be in some serious trouble!

Thanks again!  cooldude
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