Just got the AutoMeter 4355 water temp gauge and was looking up where the sending unit goes but could not find any first gen info. The MINI is at home now so just trying to get ahead of the game. The sending unit threads look very small as if they would replace bleed cap on top hose. Is this were it goes, or someplace else. I went with the Auto Meter as I don't like the fact that all the marshall gauges have no words on them to indicate which one is which should someone else ever drive my MINI. Thanks in advance Mr. Jim
I use Auto Meter gauges also. I ran one of my senders in the rear block plug that way I can see the water temperature next to the cylinders were it counts. you let others drive your MINI? Can you say vale setting? :smile5:
The current sender should either be down near the thermostat or on the head somewhere, the autometer sender should go in the same place. I think Cravenspeed sells an adaptor to allow both senders in the same place
I think the Cravenspeed adapter you are referring to is for oil pressure. Adapters allowing the use of 2 or more temperature senders really does not work well. The end needs to be in the fluid measured for a more accurate readings. Replacing the stock location temperature switch switch is not advisable. I believe the ECU get and uses information from it.
The Cravenspeed adapter replaces a joint in the radiator hose. Nitrosminis, exactly where is the rear block plug that you used, did you drill and tap a freeze plug, or was it a threaded plug? I like the idea of getting it near the cylinders too. Dave
I used one of these form Advanced Autosports. I forget if it was the 5/8" or 1-1/8" version. Craven only lists the part for the 2nd gen cars. I'm sure Kellen will see this and chime in.
Nice piece Nathan. The only thing to consider is that type usually does not get to the hottest water in the block for best water temperature monitoring? The little known Block drain plug is under the freeze plug on the back of the block. I tried to take a picture of my sender but it is to obstructed for a good picture. I have some pictures I requested from Thumper on a block he has in his shop coming to post later.
Nitrominis is right.. the best place is the water jacket between the cylinders. the Plug is on the back of the block , drivers side.... ( lOL private joke here...lol) Just me.................. Thumper
I don't agree.....won't the water temp be the highest in the cyl head? Don't you want to read it at it highest temp point, not the lowest?
Minidave unless you are welling to drill and tap another area in the head this is the best already available area. If it were not for that the head on many engines would be the best place. In the case of this location pictured I have read both areas head and block and the temperatures on at least the 1st Gen MCS are the same.
Yes, it replaced the vent section. While it may not be the absolute best place to read the water temp from there are factors such as ease of install that came into play here. Also one does not normally stare at the water temp gauge and is looking for movement, not absolute temp. In this location between the pump and the radiator inlet one does get a fairly good idea of the high temp readings. While not absolutely the perfect location it does avoid the need to tap into the head or block. There is a lot to be said for that.
The radiator lists it's top connection as 1.25". Guess I'll be doing some measuring tonight. Thanks for the input everyone
The ID of the hose is 1.22 and the OD of the OEM coupler neck is 1.277. A thin film of water soluble personal lubricant on the 1.5 coupler's leading edge would ease the fit.
Thanks, that's the info I needed. Cause I found these : Water Temperature Sender Radiator Hose Adaptor
Turns out I was completely wrong, and our Coupler is 1.28 at the neck too. So the 'Hotlink' suitable for first and second gen MINI's. It is also machined to allow the hose from the transmission on Second Gen automatics to be attached when required. Gauge Sender Adapters - CravenSpeed Online