Advice Wanted: Trans Temp Gauge

[econhonda]

I installed a transmission cooler (complete bypass of stock cooler) this weekend. I am wondering if I need to install an auxiliary fan to keep the temps cooler at low speeds.

I'm planning on putting a trans temp gauge in, but I'm on the fence about whether to choose an electrical gauge or a mechanical gauge. From what I've read, mechanical is typically more accurate, but runs the risk of springing a leak into the cabin.

I don't want to spend a ton of money on a gauge. I know there is something to be said for quality in this area, but I'm hoping to find a nice setup for under $50.

What would you guys do?

So far, I haven't seen many bad things about Sunpro or Equus gauges. Both are pretty inexpensive. Some say I'll sacrifice accuracy, but 5-10% error isn't a huge deal to me. I just want to measure trends and get a general idea about the temperature.

 

[domstriker]

I run a scangauge. My only complaint is that it reads the temp at the send line vs in the pan.

I think if you're going to completely bypass the radiator, you definitely need something to monitor the ATF temp.

I know a few people on here have after market temp probes. They'll be along shortly with recommendations.

 

[Mauzer]

Don't be cheap, just save up and get the Scangauge II

 

[econhonda]

Don't be cheap, just save up and get the Scangauge II

Aside from the trans temp there really isn't anything else I care to monitor that closely. A Scangauge doesn't really make sense for me. Thanks.

 

[kball]

Mechanical gauges do not spring leaks into the cab. They have a sensor at the end of a capillary tube that is filled with fluid like alcohol that expands with the heat and drives the gauge. No trans fluid will get anywhere near your cab.

 

[jsmarine]

I would get a regular needle gauge. With a Scanguage you will have to remember watch it, it wont have the needle like a normal gauge to catch your eye when the temp gets high. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Tomsriv]

Autometer makes one for $50, plus you have a lot of choices in colors and styles. Where are you going to mount it?

trans+temp+gauge - JEGS High Performance

 

[econhonda]

Mechanical gauges do not spring leaks into the cab. They have a sensor at the end of a capillary tube that is filled with fluid like alcohol that expands with the heat and drives the gauge. No trans fluid will get anywhere near your cab.

Good to know. Thanks for the clarification. By the way, I really liked your write-up and will refer to it for my own installation.

I would get a regular needle gauge. With a Scanguage you will have to remember watch it, it wont have the needle like a normal gauge to catch your eye when the temp gets high. Hope that makes sense.

That does make sense. There's something appealing about only having to plug the scangauge into one place I guess without splicing into a tranny fluid line. I'm actually starting to consider the SG route. Does anyone have any comments about the accuracy of the scanguage?

Autometer makes one for $50, plus you have a lot of choices in colors and styles. Where are you going to mount it?

trans+temp+gauge - JEGS High Performance

If I end up getting a stand alone gauge, I'll probably cut a hole in just above the 4wheel drive shifter. I want to maintain a finished look, and have seen some pretty nice looking flush mounts in that area.

So the consensus is to get a mechanical gauge or the ScanGauge, right? I really like how the mechanical gauges have a 270 degree sweep, whereas most cheap electrical gauges only have a 90 degree sweep.

 

[kball]

To mount the gauge face flush with the console might be tricky with the mechanical gauge. I'm sure it can be done but I didn't want to mess with it that much which is why I mounted mine the way I did. Most people wouldn't do it that way but I'm a total function over form guy.

The capillary tube on mechanical gauges can be bent fairly sharply but the instructions warn not to bend it too much, especially near the gauge or the sender on the ends. I guess it can affect the accuracy of the gauge. There's a few inches underneath the console but it might be too much of a bend. You'll have to decide for yourself.

An electrical gauge just has a wire so it can mount almost anywhere but, on the sender end it has to be grounded so if you are planning on putting the sending unit in a T in your rubber cooler lines you would have to run a ground wire. If you have a spin on filter mounted to the frame that would be the place to put the sender. That way it's already grounded. Also to get an electrical gauge that's a full sweep face you will have to spend a nice chunk of change.