North American Turbocoupe Organization

Full Version: Gauges Installed
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I finely got around to installing the gauges that I have had for a year or so. They are Autometer 1 1/2 in, oil and water temp. I put them where the EQ used to be. I was surprized that for a car with 174000 miles on it, it still had good oil pressure, 60lbs cold,40, hot driving down the road, and 20 at idle.
the Temp gauge gets up to about 210 on average. I am wondering is this about normal for the guys that have installed mechanical gauges?
Now that the EQ is gone I guess its a good reason to get a new Radio/CD player!
B D

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NATO Member
87 TC 5-Speed, Remote mount K&N filter system,Steeda Shifter,New Heater Core.
88 Thunderbird Sport 5.0
91 Ranger

[This message has been edited by B D (edited 06-09-2003).]

[This message has been edited by B D (edited 06-09-2003).]

[This message has been edited by B D (edited 06-09-2003).]
I have been told that my oil pressure is not that great. A friend said that the oil pressure should not drop below 40 pounds. The Helms Manual says" oil pressure hot at 2000 RPM 40-60 lbs". Is it bad if it drops to 20lbs at idle? I did not think it was that bad for an engine with that many miles on it. Is this an average? That is why I would like to know what the gauge readings on some other peoples TCs were, after they put mechanical gauges on there car.
B D

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NATO Member
87 TC 5-Speed, Remote mount K&N filter system,Steeda Shifter,New Heater Core.
88 Thunderbird Sport 5.0
91 Ranger
by "mechanical gauges" do you really mean analog?

Real mechanical gauges that send the fluid through the firewall are not recommended (illegal with fuel pressure). I've got a mechanical oil pressure gauge on my other car and it leaks a bit at the gauge ... not that much, but it could turn into a problem.

210*F is a little high, especially if you have anything lower than the 195 thermostat.

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86 TC 3" Exhaust w/ Cat, 17 psi, 1.5" lower, Vovlo intercooler, Saab 900 cooling system
73 Austin Mini 1275
BD,
1. the temperature will go to 210 as this is the point that the primary fan is programmed to turn on. Some of us install manual fan switchs for one or both of the fans. Others install aftermarket adjustable fan turn on devices. Yours is acting normal for stop and go driving. I assume it runs somewhat cooler at cruising speeds.

2. I don't think your oil pressure is great and it's not bad either. It could be higher, but if everything is working OK, don't worry about it with that mileage on it. If you want a little more pressure run a little heavier oil in the warm months. I run 20W-50 in warm weather in the project car. I use 10W-30 in Summer in the other car and 5W-30 in winter.

If you want to see something scary, you should see the hot idle oil pressure in my 350 Chevy marine engine - 6-7 psi. And the manual says that's what it should be.
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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
Good judgement comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm

[This message has been edited by Pete D (edited 06-10-2003).]
Thanks pete
The gauges are not electric, but are hooked up straight to the engine. The temp gauge has a copper wire that runs
from the gauge to a probe that goes into the water jacket.
The oil pressure has a tube that goes from the oil port at the engine to the gauge in the cockpit. It uses a 1/8 copper tube. I have used a similar set up on my V8 T Bird for years with no leaks or trouble. You just have to be carful with the instlation and insure there are no kinks or rough areas that the tube would rub on.
B D

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NATO Member
87 TC 5-Speed, Remote mount K&N filter system,Steeda Shifter,New Heater Core.
88 Thunderbird Sport 5.0
91 Ranger