Technical Pressure gauge Vs. Temp gauge

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Technical Pressure gauge Vs. Temp gauge

Richyjon

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Hi, As a newbie I'm wondering wich will be better to monitor in my 500L with 126 (650), the oil pressure or the Temp pressure? I know how to connect the pressure one (prefer a gauge than just the light), but how about the Temp one? Do I need an oil pan with the temp sender access?
 
Hi and welcome! Neither gauge is really necessary on a 500 or 126- the pressure warning light is fine if you have a well maintained engine and good quality oil.
Ultimately what it comes down to is if the oil gets too hot it will thin out excessively and then pressure will drop so a temp gauge is a useful indicator but low pressure will cause the damage.
If you have an internal problem in the engine (like loose sealing plugs in the crankshaft or worn camshaft bearings) a temperature sensor won't help you see a problem but a pressure gauge/light will.
There is a blanking plug with allen head in the front of the crankcase near the top of the timing cover which is threaded with the same thread as the pressure switch- you can install the sensor there or swap the existing pressure switch there if you need more room.
If you want to install a temp gauge it would normally be installed in the sump- you can braze or weld a mounting into the existing metal sump otherwise with an alloy sump you can simply drill an tap the sensor in directly.
Hope this helps!:)
 
Thanks Damon! It helps a lot. Great info. The only reason i need to install some gauges is because my 500 has the fiberglass dash with the holes already, so I'll go with the pressure one wich includes the light too and in base on your info, still the most important. Now I need to figure out what to put in the last vacant hole, what do you think about a voltimeter? I will really appreciate your oppinion.
 
No worries- happy to help. Voltmeter sounds like a good idea- especially if you are still running a Dynamo as they aren't as efficient as an Alternator- should be pretty easy to wire one in. The only other idea might be a fuel gauge if you can find a gauge to work with a 500L sender unit!
 
Sounds great.. would be great to see some photos when its all done!
 
Yep, you can count on that! Once I'm done, I'll be uploading pictures of the before and after installation!!
 
Not sure if you still here or even still have your car after so many years (I felt of the radar after 2012)
If so, let me know.....
 
Monitoring engine parameters is something i like even if it is not necessary, although temp gauge in Greece during summer is a must in my opinion. My suggestion for you is to buy an aluminium oil sump not only because it can take a temp sender but also helps with engine cooling and install both:D, otherwise you can put a sender in the original sump as mentioned above. Oil press comes second to me. In a case you buy one a scale up to 120 Celsius is enough since it can hardly reach 110-115 at summer and during mountain climbing.
Thomas
 
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