Ok a while back i install a temp gage im my 302 v8 and i put the sensor threw the thermostat housing. It was working fine.. before i put in a thermostat. now that i put one in is it gonna change the reading? it will only read after the thermostat has opened? anyway i can change this? the stat is 195 should i run a lower temp stat?
a 180F thermostat is what I would use. The temp gauge will read the temperature of the water before it reaches the thermostat unless it is on the radiator side of the thermostat. The only way that running a thermostat will change the readings is if the water temperature changes.
The temperature gauge will not read correctly in the thermostat housing due to it being on the radiator side of the cooling system. I will not read temp untill the thermostat opens. There is a spot on the drivers side front of the intake manifold that goes into the coolant crossover. This is where the sending unit should be mounted. This will give you the correct engine temp.
The stock sensor is on the drivers side of the intake behind the distributor. If you want to use the stock one for the light in addition to your gauge, use a tee-fitting for your heater outlet and screw the sensor in the top of it.
