Oil temp gauge kit?

[Parks]

Hello, I am installing an oil temp gauge to replace the air temp (that I don't need). I have done everything but install the sending unit. This part comes in two pieces and they don't seem to screw together very easily. I think the directions say to put the first piece in the pan and then add the next piece. I am afraid if I do it this way it may strip out the oil pan threads trying to tighten it all up? Has anyone done this project and/or can you give me any input to help with it? I know some will say the oil temp gauge is not really needed and I somewhat agree, just making better use of the place that the air temp gauge is that I certainly do not need! Thanks to all for you help!

 

[maxx442]

I did this three years ago on my SG and actually just did it yesterday on my buddy's '13 Ultra. I applied Permatex thread sealer (the oil and gas resistant type) to the sender unit and threaded it tightly on to the reducing bushing first. I then removed the plug on the oil pan and installed the entire unit into the pan, again using thread sealer. They are brass fittings so don't "gorilla" torque them.

The threads are tapered so that is why you can only hand tighten them so far.

 

[Parks]

Thanks maxx442, Putting the two together first is what I was kinda wanting to do and now that I know that will work I will do it that way for sure! I'm going to change the oil while I'm doing this too so gonna remove the other plug and clean the threads real good before installing the sensor to hopefully prevent any leaks. I have the Locktite 565 thread sealer that is also recommended in the instructions? One more thing, when putting the two brass pieces together, do the threads bottom out or will it get as tight as it needs to be before then? Will a deep socket fit over the whole thing to put it in the pan or just use a wrench? The reason for the last question is that I was planning to use the specified torque in the instructions if a deep socket will work? Your input has been very helpful! I know I'm seeming OCD here, but I like to do things right the first time so there hopefully wont be a second! I'm pretty mechanically inclined and do all me services and most everything else to my bike but just don't wanna screw up my pan with perfect weather coming soon! Thanks again...

 

[maxx442]

The sender unit will not bottom out into the adapter. You will probably have about 2-3 threads still exposed when it is tight. I used a slotted tubing wrench. I don't see any way you would have room to get a deep well socket and the ratchet on with the limited space. Since you are doing an oil change at the same time you could do the reducing bushing first and your ratchet would fit for that but you would still only be able to use a wrench on the sending unit due to limited space.

When I did mine I laid the bike on its left side with supports and popped the allen head plug out and quickly threaded the pre-assembled unit in. I had just changed my oil about 500 miles prior to this and didn't want to do another oil change. Only lost about an ounce of oil.

 

[Parks]

All done and everything seems to be working fine! Pretty nice to have instead of air temp! I never have figured out why anybody would need air temp?

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[CoHam]

Parks, did you install the Harley oil temp gauge? Did it come with everything you needed? What temp reading are you getting once the bike is fully up to operating temp and what is the approximate outside air temp? Can you post a photo?
I just installed an Auto Meter gauge. I love everything about it except that it doesn’t match my other gauges. I’ve always trusted Auto Meter quality, so I traded the looks. Curious to hear how yours holds up in case buddies want to make the mod.

 

[buckshot85]

I did this on my 13 SG.
In hind sight, it’s needed about as much as an air gauge. One more thing for ya to get twitchy about. Just ride. You’ll worry about dumb things if the temp goes up a few degrees. Typically, your issues won’t be high oil temp. That motor and oil can run damn hot without damage. It’s more likely you’ll have electrical/ ecm issues.