Convert that worthless air temp gauge
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Convert that worthless air temp gauge
I can't be the only guy who thinks the air temp gauge on touring models is absolutely worthless. I have an '02 FLHT, and I've done without the air temp and oil pressure gauges for 9 years. I had a gift card from my kids to spend, so I bought the kit. The oil pressure gauge works fine. But the air temp gauge read 100 degrees all day today, even though it never got out of the 80's.
So I've converted the air temp gauge to an oil temp gauge. I used a VDO temp sender for a marine gauge, installed it in the oil pan, disconnected the air temp sensor in the fairing, connected the wire I ran from the oil temp sender to the blue/purple wire on the air temp sensor connector, and it works !
Cost under $30 for the sender.
It doesn't read the real temp of the oil, but I've worked out some correction factors. It's also useful for relative readings. Once I see where my normal oil temp reads (210 degrees = about 30 degrees), I can glance at the needle to see if it's rising or not.
If there's enough interest, assuming no one's done this and written about it before, I can post photos and more details.
So I've converted the air temp gauge to an oil temp gauge. I used a VDO temp sender for a marine gauge, installed it in the oil pan, disconnected the air temp sensor in the fairing, connected the wire I ran from the oil temp sender to the blue/purple wire on the air temp sensor connector, and it works !
Cost under $30 for the sender.
It doesn't read the real temp of the oil, but I've worked out some correction factors. It's also useful for relative readings. Once I see where my normal oil temp reads (210 degrees = about 30 degrees), I can glance at the needle to see if it's rising or not.
If there's enough interest, assuming no one's done this and written about it before, I can post photos and more details.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Anderson, SC
I like the idea, Just wondering what would be the conversion would be like for the temp difference for the air reading vs using an actual oil temp gauge. For cost I think it is good but for a quick glance reading I think spending the extra money would be worth it.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
It's not that hard at a glance to estimate. 20 degrees = approx 180, 40 degrees = approx 220, 60 degrees = approx 260, and 80 degrees or above means your engine is toast.
My bike runs about 210 to 220 degrees in this kind of weather (70's to 80's), so I look
for about 30 degrees on the gauge. The idea isn't to get an exact reading, just tell at a glance whether engine temp is normal.
I have the dipstick gauge for more precise readings.
My bike runs about 210 to 220 degrees in this kind of weather (70's to 80's), so I look
for about 30 degrees on the gauge. The idea isn't to get an exact reading, just tell at a glance whether engine temp is normal.
I have the dipstick gauge for more precise readings.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
There's one air temp gauge location so what other hole did he use for the 2nd tweeter?
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Salem, NH
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
