Where to mount oil temp sensor for new ecu??

[Jeff Alton]

Hey guys, where should I mount a second (new) oil temp sensor for my new ECU?? Breather cover? I also have a spare 965 "cover plate" that fits where the thermostat sits on a 3.2, could I use that as a mounting place, it already has the sensor in it??

thanks

[mppickett]

I mounted an OEM oil temp sensor on the driver's side chain cover plate (just like the OEM one on the passenger side). It gets bathed with oil coming off of the chain and reacts quite quickly (I can see oil temps rise a degree or so while I'm in boost in the logs, so there really isn't any delay). I had to calibrate the ECU to read the OEM temp sensor.

[Jeff Alton]

Thanks, my 3.2 based motor has the stock sensor in a different location than yours, but I like your idea.

Cheers

[edbaus]

Hi,

In the two electromotive applications I have (race car and 930) I drilled and tapped a hole in the rear of the right upper valve cover. Out of the way and it works great for telling the ecu the oil temp.

Figured regular gm water temp fittings were not made to see 100 psi of oil.

Thanks

Ed

[Jeff Alton]

Ed, so you used a standard GM type coolant sensor for this?
You would not happen to have a part # handy would you? Or a pic?

Cheers

[edbaus]

Here is a page from Clewett engineering's web site. Shows the pics about half way down the page.

http://www.clewett.com/products/sensors/sensor.htm

The electromotive manual calls out a gm part number 25036979.

What is a 98 Malibu Response?

Ed

[Jeff Alton]

Tournament ski boat.....

Thanks for the link!

Cheers

[DonE]

I've used the chain cover for my ECU, but that location is not really "bathed" in oil. It gets splashed with oil and hot air. You will not get consistent or accurate oil temps (specifically during warm up and hot starts). The sensor needs to be in the oil to be a good coolant sensor.

Look at Smart Racing Products for their thermostat cover that can accept a 944 bosch coolant sensor and the oil pressure sender (with an adapter) or their 14mm plug. I read your last post about removing the engine oil thermostat - this will work out perfect. If you have the engine oil cooler and a good fender mounted cooler, let the fender oil cooler thermostat do the job (this is how I have my modified 930 set up with no problems). This way, the sensor is in the oil all the time and gives your ECU an accurate oil temp for warm up, hot starts, cruise, etc. Don't mess with sensors - they are critical to correct operation, especially on an air cooled motor.

My .02 from experience.

[Jeff Alton]

Thanks Don.

Cheers

[cmonref]

Are you planning to use the new oil temp sensor to provide the ECU with engine temperature for warmup purposes? If you are actually looking for oil temp, no problem. But the oil temperature lags engine temperature (for ECU warmup purposes), making other methods more representative. Tbitz used a thermister potted in a ring lug and put under a washer on an intake stud for the ECU's warmup signal.

[David]

I drilled and tapped for the temp sensor in my breather cover where it looks like one should go.