LS-1st-Gen

Hey guys, quick question that can hopefully solve all of my gauge problems, (finally) Ive been told that i can tap my water pump to accomodate for the Autometer 3/8 temp sender? Where do I do this on the pump? How safe is it? than

-Gordon

67ls1CamaroProject

I made up my own adapter out of brass for the pass side temp sender hole. Changed over from a mechanical gauge to an electric autometer gauge. The fitting adapts 1/8" NPT to M12X1.5 to mate to the block. If I beg, I can probably get another one made.

Lost Time

I actually bought one of those adapters that I'm not going to end up using. I just drilled and tapped the spare sender hole on the passenger head for 3/8 NPT. If you want the 1/8 adapter I'll sell it to you, rather than send it back. It was like $14 with shipping. I'll send it to you for $10.

LS-1st-Gen

Hmm, Im kinda confused now. I dont have the temp sender in front of me at the monent, but what size are the threads at the base of the sensor?? Are those 1/8 npt? I have a 1/2 and a 3/8 adaptor, both of which are obviously too large for the threads in the head. Can i adapt this old style sender to metric?? Lost time, will your adaptor do this? OR are you guys using a different style sender??

-Gordon

67ls1CamaroProject

The problem is that adapter that Lost time has is from autometer. It is M12 x 1.0 not M12 X 1.5. So it will not work with the LS1 block. This is why I made up my own. I didn't want any part of retapping my aluminum heads. Water pump seals do not approve of metal shavings.

Lost Time

Actually, no. The adapter I have isn't the Autometer one, it's made aftermarket to adapt the 1/8 NPT sender common on gauges to the LS1 head. I believe it's a 12 x 1.5 metric.

LS-1st-Gen

This is exactly why i wanna know about tapping the water pump, Im not sure exactly about this Autometer sender, it would be nice if there was a very simple fix

LS-1st-Gen

This is exactly why i wanna know about tapping the water pump, Im not sure exactly about this Autometer sender, it would be nice if there was a very simple fix

<img border="0" alt="[bang head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" />

Lesrace82

iTrader: (8)

Are you goin to have heat in your Car? If not, you can tap the heater hose outlets on the water pump and use your adapter fittings there. Thats what I did on my car.

EARTH MOTORS

I drilled and taped the water pump, ther is a flat place on the pump ( if camaro motor) right
on top above the rad hose conect . ( If truck motor ) on front of pump flat spot below rad hose.

LS-1st-Gen

Thanks for the info guys! I appreciate it and I'll let you know how it goes

-Gordon

67ls1CamaroProject

Lost Time,

Where did you source that adapter? How long is it? Will the sensor still reach into the water stream? Do you have a vendor or a picture of it? I might take you up on the $10 if LS-1st-Gen isn't interested in it. Let me know what you can.

Thanks,

John

Lost Time

I found it at an online fitting supply place. I still have the invoice at the so I can find out the name if you'd like. It's a brass adapter that comes with the o-ring for the 12 x 1.5mm side. The other side is the standard 1/8NPT that most gauges use. You just screw it into the head, then screw your gauge sender into that.

It doesn't get any easier than that. No drilling, tapping, etc.

The place sells the part for about $5, but then they hit you with $12 shipping and "handling", which is how they really get their money since it comes in a padded envelope. No one has contacted me about it, so if you want it, it's yours.

LS-1st-Gen

Well I just picked up the autometer ELECTRICAL gauge which has the 1/8 sender, instead of the mechanical 3/8 that I had. (gonna go into my K-5 now) Lost time do you still have the adapter? If not, where can I find one?

-Gordon

LS1swap

AutoBarn.com
he is right they charge you more for shipping than they do for the part. but they do also give you the 16 x1.5 mm oil press adapter not bad for $12.49
here is a copy of my invoice from them

Name Code Qty Each Options
-----------------------------------------------------------
Equus Oil Pressure & EQU6848 1 5.99
Electronic Temperature
Metric Adapter Kit
Subtotal 5.99
Shipping 6.50
Tax 0.00
Total 12.49

67ls1CamaroProject

I bought those adapters and the hex part is so thick that the sensor doesn't reach the stream. I tried to modify it buy tapping it deeper and shortening the hex part but the metric threads were to thin and it broke. So, I ended up modifying another one that I got from fittingsandadapters.com and that worked. Major pain for a stupid temp sensor.