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AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Mon, 08 Feb 2016 2:28 +0000
by leamyj
Hi all,

Just a quick question regarding above. I'm planning on doing a track day in May, and it'll be my first time taking out the turboed mx5 ( mk1 , 1.6). Should I consider fitting a more accurate water temp gauge as the stock one doesn't really give you the best of info? If so, any recommendations as to type, where to tap in a probe etc??
My setup is basic enough, just using a bipes acu piggybacking the original ecu, and have an intercooler (not water charged) fitted also.

Was looking on ebay and came across all sorts, ranging in price from €10 to €200 . All suggestions appreciated.

John

Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Mon, 08 Feb 2016 8:57 +0000
by scallan
I kinda went middle of the road with mine spent €80 or so on it. Works perfect. I got a connector to tap into the top rad hose as it was handy but im sure there are better places

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Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Mon, 08 Feb 2016 10:14 +0000
by leamyj
Thanks for that, yeah, there is a sandwich plate for the thermostat housing that enables a probe, but it would be coming from the states, so cost is hard to justify. Thoughts on oil coolers too lads, worthwhile or waste of money?

Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Mon, 08 Feb 2016 10:17 +0000
by scallan
I got an adapater to fit in the top hose was €12 euro or something if you dont want to spend to much

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Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Tue, 09 Feb 2016 6:28 +0000
by andrew
I have a 93 car and from what I remember they have more accurate gauges than the later 94 on cars which are more like a stat. I'd recommend any type of water gauge if you have a standard rad as the intercooler will reduce your cooling capacity and add heat to the cooling system.

I'd also recommend using the under tray and sealing any holes caused by intercooler pipe work with expandable foam. It make a big difference. Air will just go around the rad and through any gap, instead of through it.

I have a aftermarket oil temp gauge, its usefull for track work, max I got is 118 degrees so no need for a oil cooler. usually about 80 on the road too, which is very low.

Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Tue, 09 Feb 2016 6:43 +0000
by leamyj
Thanks for that Andrew, interesting about the oil temperatures....by the way, have you ever had an issue with power steering fluid boiling over? It happened to me on a previous trackday..any easy solution to this or would it be a case of adding a small cooler to that circuit??

Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Tue, 09 Feb 2016 6:46 +0000
by leamyj
Forgot to mention my rad is somewhat standard, although it came from an automatic...it has a larger core than the rad used in a manual, so getting a little extra bang for the buck there!!

Re: AFTER MARKET WATER TEMP GAUGE??

PostPosted: Thu, 11 Feb 2016 7:15 +0000
by andrew
leamyj wrote:Thanks for that Andrew, interesting about the oil temperatures....by the way, have you ever had an issue with power steering fluid boiling over? It happened to me on a previous trackday..any easy solution to this or would it be a case of adding a small cooler to that circuit??


Yep, mine does this on track days, I run the reservoir at min which reduces it a lot but I must put in a proper ps cooler. It's very common on track.