water temp guage install

[sbasinc]

can anyone tell me the tread size on the existing temp sending unit on a mule 3010.. I am installing a water temp gauge and removing the existing unit.. the treads on the guage is the exact size, but I need an extender so the capillary tube will seat... generally you have to use one of the adapters that are sent with the guage... I purchased a different gauge, they all use the same fitting....

[RCW]

Your question has me baffled. Am I to understand that you need an adaptor to connect the thermal bulb on a mechanical temperature gauge to the hole in the engine head?

If so, you do not want anything that will extend the fitting outside the head, as the bulb must be immersed in the coolant and not up in some extension.

If you simply need an adaptor, take the electric sensor to an auto parts store with the new line and bulb, and get a ring adaptor that keeps the bulb inserted at the same level as the OEM sensor. If the bulb is not fully immersed your temperature readings will not be accurate.

Now for my real question. Why switch from an electronic gauge and sensor to a mechanical unit? The engine is rubber mounted and you will have to use at least two full 6" wraps of the tube located somewhere near the head to avoid cracking the tube from vibration.

[sbasinc]

hello thanks for your reply,
the mule that I own does not have any type of guage electric nor mechanical.. It only has a high temp light, that is not even working or hooked into the indicator on the dash...

so my simple solution is to install a mechanical temp guage.. I use this mule over a lot of clear cut timber which tree debris can easily severe a hose..

the fitting on the end of mechanical guages is the exact thread as the hole in the head.. as with most installs in vechicles you have use one of the adapters which allow the sensor to seat... but the sensor cannot seat while using the fitting only....

called the temp gauge service line they offered no solution
called kawasaki dealer suggested a type of guage that installs in a hose, as if to install on a fourwheeler

as far as a ring adapter at a auto store,, no one can match or even tell me the thread size

I bought two seperate gauges, both use the same fitting pretty standard..
having to use a 8' line but probably will not be able to install two loops like you mentioned..

what do you think my options are??

thanks

[RCW]

From your description I do not think the sensor you have on the universal gauge will work. The bulb has to be fully immersed in the coolant stream and not block the passage. Extending it out will make it inaccurate as the coolant will not circulate correctly around the bulb.

I would replace the OEM sensor if it is defective and wire the light so it works, then pick up one of the hose kits and install the mechanical gauge in the radiator hose that takes the water from the engine to the radiator.

The issue with these engines is that the water at the OEM temperature sensor head can overheat and the radiator (radiator hose to radiator) can remain cool if the thermostat malfunctions or they get an air lock from low coolant. So, the OEM sensor is really needed.

I have used some electric water temperature gauge sensors on the Mule and installed an electric gauge as their sensors are much smaller and will fit in the OEM hole. The ones I used were from Dakota Digital and ISSPRO. Both run around $200.