Technical New oil sump

[Paolo66]

So I decided to upgrade to an aluminium 3.5lt oil sump from the standard fit steel one. I figured the extra oil volume and different material would allow for better oil cooling. As part of the upgrade I am also going to fit an oil temperature gauge and sensor. I was planning on just using a t-piece from where the existing pressure sensor is and wiring it up. I've a couple of questions for you guys that have already done something similar.
How do you wire up the sensor to the gauge? Does it need a power supply or does it just work on electrical resistance?
Once I've got it wired up what temperature will the oil be for normal average running?
Thanks in advance
Damian

 

[the hobbler]

Evening Damian;
Sorry I can't help you regarding oil temperature, but can I give you some advice regarding the sump that you are contemplating fitting. The extra oil will help quite a lot towards keeping the engine cooler as you will have added about 1/3rd more capacity. The alloy sump will also help stiffen up the crank-case. When you fit the sump I would follow the advice that I was given by Middle Barton Garage---fit a gasket, the 'rubbery' one, NOT the cork type. With the cork gasket it is almost impossible to do up the sump bolts tight, they just keep compressing the gasket more and more---with the 'rubbery' type gasket you will be able to tighten the sump bolts correctly. I have used stainless cap-head screws to fit the new sump, with a touch of 'loctite' on the threads.

 

[Bambino]

Damian,
I fitted a 3.5 litre alloy sump and a non-cork gasket (as suggested by the H) when I rebuilt my engine and will also fit an oil temperature gauge at some time.
My oil pressure gauge and low oil pressure light are T-eed off the same point so I was going to fit my temperature sender so it measures sump oil temperature.
My alloy sump has a premarked spot for drilling, tapping and fitting of such a sender and I believe that it will give more accurate results. My logic is as follows - in order to measure average temperature the medium needs to be constantly stirred and sump oil meets this criterion. A sender mounted on the T-junction will measure the temperature of the top of a short column of oil - OK for a pressure measurement but maybe not so good for temperature particularly as the narrow column is surrounded by a heat conductive metal sheath. Sure the temperature measured will be close, I'm just not sure how close and as these little air(oil)-cooled engines get very hot, a few degrees may make a difference.
As to the actual temperature, air cooled bikes quote temperatures of around 110degC (~230degF) when running with automatic shutoff if the temperatures exceeds 150degC (300degF). I'm told that most synthetic oils will breakdown around 150degC and mineral oils at a little lower and I use a mineral oil, so a few degrees may make a difference.
I've attached a photo of the gauge that I'll be using - fairly vague as you see, but it should do the job - and the place on the sump (rear RHS) where I intend to mount the sender. Of course this being an Italian car, it will be just another place where oil will drip ...
I still haven't decided how I'm going to mount all of these gauges in the cabin.
Chris

 

[Paolo66]

Hobbler, Bambino
Thanks for the replies. I fitted the sump with the rubber gasket. I have the same sump as you Chris and did think about mounting the sensor where you suggested. With hindsight I wish I would have drilled and tapped it whilst I had it all apart at the weekend. I could have then just blanked it off until needed. I'll let you guys know how it unfolds when things progress.
Thanks again for the advice
Damian

 

[ecdy]

Where does one get these dumps and appropriate gaskets? What should the tightening torque be?

 

[Paolo66]

Ecdy
I got mine from fiat500vdlaan.nl. I tightened mine until the gasket was nice and compressed. No leaks yet!