OT Gauge install question
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
OT Gauge install question
My oil temp gauge from Lake Shore showed up today, and I'll tackle it after work. My question is that the instructions say to drain the oil, but I just did an oil change a couple of months ago. I found a post where a guy says he did his without draining the oil so it can be done. But the the thread sealant says to use on clean, dry threads. Obviously, if I'm installing the sender without draining the oil, the thread are not going to be clean and dry. Is this going to be a problem, or am I over thinking it?
Thanks, ride safe
Thanks, ride safe
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: RI
My oil temp gauge from Lake Shore showed up today, and I'll tackle it after work. My question is that the instructions say to drain the oil, but I just did an oil change a couple of months ago. I found a post where a guy says he did his without draining the oil so it can be done. But the the thread sealant says to use on clean, dry threads. Obviously, if I'm installing the sender without draining the oil, the thread are not going to be clean and dry. Is this going to be a problem, or am I over thinking it?
Thanks, ride safe
Thanks, ride safe
Dave
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 7
From: New Jersey
just make sure the pan is REALLY CLEAN!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I've learned that it's usually best to follow the directions. Shortcuts lead to leaks, or at least that has been my experience. I just drained mine into a pan, then with it stopped dripping, I unscrewed the plug and dressed the threads with the recommended sealant. Let it set-up overnight before pouring the oil back in.
Be careful how your route that sending cable. Also know that you will be using the cable off of the air temp sensor in this install. The air temp sensor cable is actually the cable that ends-up being plugged into the back of your new oil temp gauge. Then you plug that cable into the cable coming up from the bottom of the bike to complete the connection to the sensor and meter.
Enjoy the install.
Be careful how your route that sending cable. Also know that you will be using the cable off of the air temp sensor in this install. The air temp sensor cable is actually the cable that ends-up being plugged into the back of your new oil temp gauge. Then you plug that cable into the cable coming up from the bottom of the bike to complete the connection to the sensor and meter.
Enjoy the install.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
Do the instructions say to use thread sealant? The sending unit should be a tapered thread and a sealant really isn't necessary. What you do want is metal to metal contact for a good ground.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
did mine with out draining the oil , just put some tape on it and if you have a leak which I don't , just pull it back out on your next oil change and redue it , not like it is going to pour out
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: N.E. Ohio
Just drain the oil and use the sealant. The teflon tape will no doubt stand the heat but it can sure plug things up if not used properly. The company I worked for had hundreds of plastic injection molds and we were forbidden to use teflon tape because of all the plugged water lines.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
Just drain the oil and use the sealant. The teflon tape will no doubt stand the heat but it can sure plug things up if not used properly. The company I worked for had hundreds of plastic injection molds and we were forbidden to use teflon tape because of all the plugged water lines.