Has anyone installed an oil temp gauge? Just wondering where to install the sensor. Autometer sells a t-in kit to tap into a hose but im not sure which one.

thanks, brandon

I have an engine oil temperature gauge on my 03 D/A Truck. I aquired a spare lower oil pan and had a bung welded in for the temp sending unit. Changed the lower pan at an oil change and here we are today. I recomend putting it in the sump. All large (18 wheelers) have their oil temp senders in the sump.

did you do it or did you have a shop do it? was it hard? how much did it cost? thanks for the help. also i was thinking of putting it in as a replacement for the drain plug. any ideas? i know thats kinda a cheap way but just a thought. also do you have a pic?

I have an engine oil temperature gauge on my 03 D/A Truck. I aquired a spare lower oil pan and had a bung welded in for the temp sending unit. Changed the lower pan at an oil change and here we are today. I recomend putting it in the sump. All large (18 wheelers) have their oil temp senders in the sump.
How hot does the oil get? I have one on my truck and the oil runs between 215 and 230 depending on how hot it is and if towing or not. Takes a while for it to get up to temp.

The pan was the cheepest part of the project (free). I had a friend weld the bung in (a case of beer). The most expensive part was the RTV to seal it (25.00 @ the dealer). I live in the L.A. area, dmax4unv what part of CA are you in?

How hot does the oil get? I have one on my truck and the oil runs between 215 and 230 depending on how hot it is and if towing or not. Takes a while for it to get up to temp.
Mine usuall sits around 140 - 200 unless I am towing something really heavy up a steep hill. It does take a while for the oil to warm up.

What's the advantage of knowing what the oil temp is? Seems like if it is too hot the coolant would be reading too hot too?

Im overly inquisitive and need to know ever little detail about my engine. plus, if you shut the engine down with the oil to hot, say goodbye to the turbo. the oil will burn onto the bearings and destroy them. you could tell this by the egts but oil temp is an extra piece of mind. im located in San Jose. i have acess to a welder but i wouldnt know where to get a pan for free. do you guys know if anyone make an aftermarket with more capacity.

i thought the turbo's were water cooled.

i thought the turbo's were water cooled.
LB7's are, LLY's are not

LB7's are, LLY's are not

Still, I let my EGTs cool to 300 degrees or under before shutting the engine down.
If I'm towing and coming off the freeway, the EGTs may take 2-3 minutes to cool off. For normal driving it never takes more than a minute. I have also learned to go easy on the throttle when I get close to my destination. I can switch off almost immedatly then.