302 and oil temp sending unit

[rj35pj]

I'm running a 302 and ultalite guages. Where does the oil temperature sending unit mount?
Thanks,
Bob

[DARKPT]

Bob, you'll usually see a "T" adaptor in the oil pressure mount location that provides a mount for both the temp and pressure senders. Sometimes you'll also see the guys who run remote oil filters tap into that for their sensor.

See the second pic in this post:
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/209172-alternate-engine-sensor-locations.html#post1853068

Also, see this thread for a good conversation on the ups and downs of oil pressure mounting locations:
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/265486-oil-pressure-sensor-extension.html

Hope that help!

Dan

[Bob Cowan]

The best place is where it will read the temp of the oil being fed to the bearings. If you do not have an oil cooler, it's best in oil pan. If you do have a cooler, it's best in the return line.

Some people do put it on a T with the pressure sender. Not a great spot, but will do. That's a dead area, with no flow. The oil will heat up simply by heat transfer. But the gauge will be a little slow to respond. If you're only driving on the street, that's fine and won't be a problem. If you're racing, it's too slow to really helpfull.

[skullandbones]

I have three 302 blocks in the garage and all three have a fitting in the driver's side of the oil pan about mid engine. It has a large fitting and a slightly smaller one that you can screw out. I placed this fitting on a drill press in a table vice and drilled a hole and tapped it to fit the oil temp sensor. Then I flipped the fitting over and drilled the hole larger to allow better access for the oil in the pan to circulate around the sensor probe. I believe you will get a better reading of the averagbe oil temp this way since it is the largest volume of oil in the engine and it is proximal to the oil pickup which will measure the oil temp that is being recirculated to the engine galleries. IMO. WEK.

[xlr8or]

I put mine on the remote oil filter mount so the incoming oil is flowing right at it.

[willy]

Are you using the mustang pan? I tapped out the OEM oil level sender in the pan and installed the temp sender

[rj35pj]

Xlr8or, the newer kits do not include the remote oil filter, so that is not an option unless of course I add that on. Willy,I am using the stock Mustang pan as far as I know. My pan has the usual drain plug plus one up from to empty the dip in the front of the pan. I wondered if I could use that front drain plug location for the sending unit.

[skullandbones]

With all due respect, please don't consider doing that. You want your build to be fundimentally sound so use one of the other suggestions given. WEK.

[rj35pj]

With all due respect, please don't consider doing that. You want your build to be fundimentally sound so use one of the other suggestions given. WEK.

Skullandbones, now I'm just asking, what is wrong with using the from drain plug location? I appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Bob

[CHAZC5ZX]

Hi Bob. the problem with using the front drain hole is A high posibility of knocking it out with some road debris and ruining your engine.
What Willy is talking about and what I did is late 80s mustangs had an oil level light with A sensor in the side of the pan, the dash light would come on when 1 qt low.You can knock the gut's out of the sensor and tap it for 3/8 NPTand install the oil temp sender.
I would think you could find a pan fairly cheap.
Chaz...

[AC Bill]

You can knock the gut's out of the sensor and tap it for 3/8 NPTand install the oil temp sender. Chaz...

Or simply buy a suitable size drain plug for that level sensor, then drill and tap it for the oil temp sending unit.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/12GAGuy/IMG_2996.jpg

I agree the drain plug is a little low on our cars..Not a great location.

[rj35pj]

Okay that is what I need to know. I appreciate all the info and I certainly don't want to knock the sensor out of the pan. I worry about things enough without thinking I had set myself up for something I could avoid.

[rj35pj]

Today I ordered the remote oil filter kit. This way I will have a good place for the temp sender. Thank you for all the input and opinions.
Bob

[xlr8or]

Bob I added the remote filter for three reasons. 1: The oil filter sits about 2inches from the header and picks up plenty of heat from it. 2: if I decide to add an oil cooler I'm already half way there. 3: It gives me a great location for a temp sender.

[rj35pj]

Bob I added the remote filter for three reasons. 1: The oil filter sits about 2inches from the header and picks up plenty of heat from it. 2: if I decide to add an oil cooler I'm already half way there. 3: It gives me a great location for a temp sender.

Yep, I think it is a win win situation and not much as far as cost either. This forum has saved me from several mistakes.

[xlr8or]

Yep, I think it is a win win situation and not much as far as cost either. This forum has saved me from several mistakes.

Everyone here is very willing to share so you won't find many things on the car that haven't been tweeked in one or more ways by asking or searching. My car is basically done and I still keep seeing new ideas that I'd like to incorporate or better ways of doing things I already have.

[willy]

Yep did the same thing as ACBill did not want to use a drain plug.