2G aftermarket coolant gauge vs factory

[goldeninja20]

My buddy gave my a coolant temp gauge brand new. I took out the factory gauge sensor and put the aftermarket sensor for the aftermarket gauge. So my factory gauge doesnt work (doesnt matter to me). When i log evoscan it says my coolant temp is about 15 degrees hotter than my aftermarket gauge is reading. I do not know which one to believe. Is there something i can do to see what the actual coolant temp is on the motor side of the thermosat?

 

[dsmgst1996]

I use infrared gun works great my factory gauge goes dumb sometimes.

 

[Breezio69]

Where is the factory sensor at now? I'm sorry I don't run evoscan or know how its hooked up but this kind of intrigued and confused me, so maybe you can school me on something today. If evoscan runs the temp from the ecu then how does it read a temp at all with the sensor gone? Since the aftermarket is an independant unit (at least mine is).

That being said, i used an adapter to splice in the upper radiator hose and kept my factory sensor where its at. Not the cleanest install but it works.

 

[WES_393]

If evoscan runs the temp from the ecu then how does it read a temp at all with the sensor gone? Since the aftermarket is an independant unit (at least mine is).

The ECU and temp gauge have separate coolant temp sensors.

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OP- I would trust the ECU's readings (with known good sensor) over pretty much any aftermarket sender and gauge.

If it were me, I'd sell the temp gauge, hook up the stocker, and buy a new ECU temp sensor. Then you'll have accurate coolant temp readings and room for a more useful gauge.

 

[HIGHPSI4]

As stated above, some aftermarket sensor/gauges are not accurate. The ECU will have good reading so you can use it. I have an autometer coolent temp gauge and it is right on with the coolent temp I log in Link.

 

[goldeninja20]

I use infrared gun works great my factory gauge goes dumb sometimes.

I didnt even think of that. Do you just point it at the thermostat housing?

Where is the factory sensor at now? I'm sorry I don't run evoscan or know how its hooked up but this kind of intrigued and confused me, so maybe you can school me on something today. If evoscan runs the temp from the ecu then how does it read a temp at all with the sensor gone? Since the aftermarket is an independant unit (at least mine is).

That being said, i used an adapter to splice in the upper radiator hose and kept my factory sensor where its at. Not the cleanest install but it works.

The upper radiator hose is the worst spot in my opinion. It is not telling you the actual coolant temp of the coolant in the motor.

As stated above, some aftermarket sensor/gauges are not accurate. The ECU will have good reading so you can use it. I have an autometer coolent temp gauge and it is right on with the coolent temp I log in Link.

Which could be the problem? The sensor or gauge? Or there is really no way of knowing?

I might just sell this one and pick up a quality gauge.

 

[dsmgst1996]

I didnt even think of that. Do you just point it at the thermostat housing?

All depends what reading you want if you want super accurate open the cap and check temp there or I hit the side of the rad itself on the hot side to see temp coming out of the motor .

 

[goldeninja20]

All depends what reading you want if you want super accurate open the cap and check temp there or I hit the side of the rad itself on the hot side to see temp coming out of the motor .

I am going to pick one up tommorrow. I figure i should before i pick up a new gauge.