transmission gauge sensor install?

[manta888]

Hi looking to install trans temp gauge on VQ.
where to install sensor? I read that some engine have a test port you screw the sensor into.
I do NOT want to cut the radiator line for ATF fluid- chance of leaking.
do NOT want to add to pan-may leak?
possible install on dipstick?
how to?
thanks

 

[manta888]

oil temp gauge sensor install?

where to install sensor?
do not want to cut hoses or install on pan- possible leaks.
anywhere else to install the oil sensor?
thanks

 

[jumbosrule]

where to install sensor? do not want to cut hoses or install on pan- possible leaks. anywhere else to install the oil sensor? thanks

Should cut the hose - that's how it's done and there's no more chance of leaks there than anywhere else you have a hose connection. Not sure why you are opposed to this. It's a super simple mod.

 

[manta888]

I know there are dipstick sensor installs and installs between the oil filter also.
Any advantage/disadvantage of these? How did you do your install(s)?
I've read that there may be leak issues with some pan/tube installs and temperature fluctuation/accuracy issues. Thus, my inquiry for most accurate/efficient installs.
thanks.

 

[shadow191]

The oil filter sender is not a bad idea, it's convenient. In the past, I tapped the oil pan. But in my situation, the pan was coming out anyways to have a return tapped, so it was easy to just weld on a fitting for the temp sensor. It would be a lot of work to just weld on a fitting for an oil temp gauge by itself. For oil pressure, I just teed off of the AN lines running to the turbo on my old car.

In regards to the transmission temp, cutting the stock line is the easiest way and should not cause any issues. Just make sure that you properly connect the lines and clamp them tightly. Maybe think about adding another transmission cooler since you'll have to cut the lines anyways?

 

[jumbosrule]

Maybe think about adding another transmission cooler since you'll have to cut the lines anyways?

When you say, "another", would you link the existing cooler to a new one, or just bypass the old one completely and add a new one? Until this point I hadn't considered going through both the OEM and aftermarket coolers.

I ask because I did have a new cooler installed and did eliminate the old cooler completely. The new cooler has a thermostat on it that controls the fan, That thermostat can be wired to a gauge, without cutting anything - that's what it is meant for. So I have my tranny temp coming off the aftermarket B&M cooler.

 

[shadow191]

Keep in mind that I haven't done this to an FX. But on my old car, a Nissan Maxima with a VQ30, I ran an aftermarket transmission cooler in addition to the OEM cooler. The one I ran wasn't a B&M, it was just a generic one designed for cars towing trailers or something. I basically got the biggest one that could fit in the space I had without interfering with the intercooler. I didn't have a specific fan wired up to it. It also did not have a fitting for the temp gauge, so for me, I just ran a tee off of the lines going to the aux cooler and installed my temp. sensor there.

I thought about bypassing the OEM cooler, but my thought was that more cooling capacity couldn't hurt. I was running way outside the limit of what the stock tranny (even with VB mod) could handle. So I kept the factory tranny cooler.

When you say, "another", would you link the existing cooler to a new one, or just bypass the old one completely and add a new one? Until this point I hadn't considered going through both the OEM and aftermarket coolers.

I ask because I did have a new cooler installed and did eliminate the old cooler completely. The new cooler has a thermostat on it that controls the fan, That thermostat can be wired to a gauge, without cutting anything - that's what it is meant for. So I have my tranny temp coming off the aftermarket B&M cooler.