'58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

[W_Guy]

I'd like to install a water temp gauge on my motor. I think it should be installed where it would read the head temperture, so at the head or just after on the return would be best. Can someone direct me to the proper place where I might be able to screw in the sender? I hope there's a place where it can be installed easily, rather than having to drill and tap a hole for it.
I do feel thankful that Evinrude designed a thermostat control for the cooling on this model. I think they were far ahead of the Mercs for their time!

Thanks
Verne

 

[coolguy147]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

gotta love johnson evinrude

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

Not sure if the 59 has the water temp sensor built in but it's on the right side of #3 cylinder on the 60's V-4s. The brown wire runs up to the ignition. Also, you can install a tell-tale in the side of the block if you tap the boss on the side of #1 cylinder, like I have.

 

[W_Guy]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

Thanks. That might help. Any other opinions?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

They sell something call a Z clip I believe it is called (or you can make one). Basically it's a Z shaped piece of metal that connects under a head bolt and holds a sensor against the head. The force of the clip is enough for the heat transfer and a good reading I believe.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

Vern, None of my Fat-Fiftys had temp alarms or temp gagues. If you can find a plug on the head, that is a suitable place. You maybe could "tee" something into the head-to-thermo box return hoses, but they are pretty short. I wouldn't tap the head. You might crack something. Also those motors are pretty tough. If you change the waterpump impeller every decade or so, you should be fine.

BTW Those motor have pressure and temp controlled cooling.

 

[W_Guy]

Re: '58 Four Fifty Water Temp gauge fitting?

Chris,
I have read that and that's why I am impressed in their design for the time. Maybe I'm just being over cautious (like I am with my old cars) but I'd kinda like a gauge to let me know what the actual temp is. I like your idea of tapping into the return to the thermo. I think I may be able to rig something up.
You know, when you're cruising along and everything seems fine, you might have no idea you just ran through a moss bed and clogged up the cooling water intake. I just feel better if I have a gauge to let me know before the motor gets ruined.

Thanks