Installing a water temperature gauge: photos + parts

[Savago]

Dear friends

This forum has being a life saver for me and it is always nice to try to contribute a bit back.

A few months ago when I decided to install a water temperature gauge in my I/S, I didn't find any article with lots of photos explaining what is needed to do the job.

I documented the process with lots of photos here:
https://plus.google.com/+AdenilsonCavalcanti/posts/T9tu9rzGNCw

Disclaimer: not saying this is the best way of doing the job (probably there are better ways), but it is simple enough and works pretty fine.

Concerning the parts used:

a) Auto Meter 3337 Sport-Comp gauge (the dark background and font style was the closest match I found compared to the I/S dashboard gauges):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062YX5U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

b) Dewel radiator hose sensor adapter (30mm):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018FY0TCG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

c) The mount I used a GPS mount for handlebar + an autometer pod:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRF46G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only inconvenient of this Autometer gauge is that it won't come with the wiring needed (power + sensor), so I ended up making the wiring myself (required a soldering iron, etc).

Heat shrinking tubing is recommended to route the wiring (positive, ground, sensor) all the way to the hose adapter.

I used wires in 3 colors:
a) Red for positive
b) Black for negative
c) Blue for sensor

AFAICT, there are more expensive models that include the wiring, so it may be worthwhile to consider  (the combined cost of buying the wiring, soldering iron, etc is probably bigger than paying for it included with the gauge).

I tapped into the fog lights wiring to power the gauge, by using a quick splice connector. I figured that won't be enough to overload the wiring, as it was designed for the 35W + 35W fog lights (and the I/S kit includes a relay IIRC).

The sensor ground wire was connected into the engine guards.

Final remarks: is it worth the trouble? That depends... having further instrumentation is helpful if you have to diagnose problems. I did it because I was from time to time having the overheat light going on, but that was because the radiator fan was not working.

That being said, it is pretty cool to watch in the gauge the temperature going up to 210F and see the fan engaging and bringing the temperature down.

Finally, our bikes are getting 13 to 19 years old and electronics/thermal sensors can start to go bad. Having a new and high quality water temperature gauge can bring peace of mind to know that the engine is running fine and not overheating.

Last consideration: don't go cheap in the gauge. There are cheaper gauges made in China, but keep in mind that the motorcycle environment is harsh (i.e. vibration) and you won't like to have to try the figure it out why things are not working after the install. I really recommend Autometer as they are made in USA and are known for being reliable and lasting years.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Nice job 

[Itinifni]

Nice install.

Instrumentation is on my list of thing to add but it's fairly low on the list right now. I've bookmarked your post for future reference.

[John Schmidt]

I've had an Autometer C-2 temp gauge installed on my Valk for at least 10 yrs., maybe longer, along with oil pressure and fuel level. It came with the harness and I used the same approach for the sensor, mounting it in the upper hose. I ran a dedicated wire to an add-on fuse panel I have under the left side cover, and a GREEN wire for ground instead of black. As for the quick connects for the wiring splices, with the vibrations experienced on any bike I never will use them, plus they often will eventually cut through a wire. You'll find you will watch it more in traffic, especially stop/go in warm weather.

As for the Autometer gauges, you're correct....you get what you pay for. Mine have been trouble free for years.

[Dozer]

I'll add my 2 cents too. I agree with Savago...this forum and its members has helped me more times than I can count. Now here we go again. I am having the same problem with my coolant light but now I know whats normal and whats not and where to start. I have also bookmarked this page. I know this is an old thread and I dont expect a reply. I'm just saying thanks again guys. If I run into gremlins I'll start a new thread and ask for help.

[Asian Redneck]

I wonder if Savago can document the process again on another link as Google + is no longer available.
Thanks in advance.

Dear friends

This forum has being a life saver for me and it is always nice to try to contribute a bit back.

A few months ago when I decided to install a water temperature gauge in my I/S, I didn't find any article with lots of photos explaining what is needed to do the job.

I documented the process with lots of photos here:
https://plus.google.com/+AdenilsonCavalcanti/posts/T9tu9rzGNCw

Disclaimer: not saying this is the best way of doing the job (probably there are better ways), but it is simple enough and works pretty fine.

Concerning the parts used:

a) Auto Meter 3337 Sport-Comp gauge (the dark background and font style was the closest match I found compared to the I/S dashboard gauges):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062YX5U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

b) Dewel radiator hose sensor adapter (30mm):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018FY0TCG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

c) The mount I used a GPS mount for handlebar + an autometer pod:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRF46G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only inconvenient of this Autometer gauge is that it won't come with the wiring needed (power + sensor), so I ended up making the wiring myself (required a soldering iron, etc).

Heat shrinking tubing is recommended to route the wiring (positive, ground, sensor) all the way to the hose adapter.

I used wires in 3 colors:
a) Red for positive
b) Black for negative
c) Blue for sensor

AFAICT, there are more expensive models that include the wiring, so it may be worthwhile to consider  (the combined cost of buying the wiring, soldering iron, etc is probably bigger than paying for it included with the gauge).

I tapped into the fog lights wiring to power the gauge, by using a quick splice connector. I figured that won't be enough to overload the wiring, as it was designed for the 35W + 35W fog lights (and the I/S kit includes a relay IIRC).

The sensor ground wire was connected into the engine guards.

Final remarks: is it worth the trouble? That depends... having further instrumentation is helpful if you have to diagnose problems. I did it because I was from time to time having the overheat light going on, but that was because the radiator fan was not working.

That being said, it is pretty cool to watch in the gauge the temperature going up to 210F and see the fan engaging and bringing the temperature down.

Finally, our bikes are getting 13 to 19 years old and electronics/thermal sensors can start to go bad. Having a new and high quality water temperature gauge can bring peace of mind to know that the engine is running fine and not overheating.

Last consideration: don't go cheap in the gauge. There are cheaper gauges made in China, but keep in mind that the motorcycle environment is harsh (i.e. vibration) and you won't like to have to try the figure it out why things are not working after the install. I really recommend Autometer as they are made in USA and are known for being reliable and lasting years.

[Savago]

I received a private message asking for a new link for the photos, here it goes:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4HmLEc6KkdA5xtsb9