fitting a temp gauge to a sidevalve

[tortron]

is there a blanking bolt on the sidevalve engine like on the later engines to fit a temp sender?

i assume a mini one will also fit?

[Scouse]

There's no specific spot for one.
I fitted one to the underside of the top radiator tank. Not the best spot but better than nothing & it's not visible unless you go looking for it.

[tortron]

so drill and tap a hole in there somewhere?

[Scouse]

The tank metal is too thin to tap. I drilled it then soldered a brass nut to the tank the so the sender screws into that.

[oliver-morrisminor]

Would replacing the long bottom rad hose with a stainless steel centre section an welding a socket to suit the sender work?

I know the bottom radiator hose is not the perfect place but it is better than none and is less conspicuious (I know I spelt it wrong!)

[bigcarle]

hi oli
all cars work on a thermo syphon effect where hot air (water) rises and cold air (water) falls so putting a temp gauge sender in the bottom hose is not real good idea as that hose has the cold water that is going back in the engine, about the only only place you can put a sender scott has allready suggested.
my first car was a December '51 highlight and we put the sender in the side of the top tank. when it got too hot like 200 degrees f it would stop due i think to fuel evaporation, wait about half an hour and away you would go again
cheers

[Triumph Man]

Years ago VW shops used to sell a guage that was like a washer that went under the spark plug, boat shops sell em to.
No mods
Trev
Aus

[Robzy]

[tortron]

cool, il give it a look