Hey guys. could someone please verify if this a Factory drain plug Oil sensor? This was taken from my car and was working my Autometer Oil Temp gauge, but as you can see from the crack it now pegs my gauge over 300 when up to normal running temp, I just want to verify it is a factory one and not an aftermarket before I order a new one. I'm thinking I have bigger issues as even when I disconnect the wire from the sensor the gauge still indicates 210 degrees! Is my gauge hooped? thanks

 

The OEM drain plug with oil temp sender is calibrated differently than the Autometer sender included with your gauge. To use the Autometer sender in the oil drain plug, you'd have to obtain a M14 to 1/8" NPT adapter. Some excellent discussion in this thread: Oil Temp Tap Point?

How did that crack come about? What temperature was the gauge reading during normal operation?

 

Thanks for the info, but this setup worked perfectly for two years, assuming that the pic above is a factory sensor plug. I don't know when the crack occured, but last winter I was plowing with the Mini in the snow and ripped the wire off the sensor, I can only assume it got damaged then.

BTW not all autometer gauges are calibrated the same as far as I know it all depends on the sweep of the gauge, mine is a 10 to 2 ( time clock) sweep type ( autometer Pro Comp) that worked perfectly with this sensor, but could it be possible that my gauge is screwed now as a result of the sensor getting damaged?

Here's a pic of my guage currently with the ignition turned off !

 

That's definitely the OEM sender, but IMO you've got a gauge issue. With no input, it should peg on the far left, no? I can't see the wire or the sender 'breaking' the gauge. Maybe a note to Auto-meter is in order to see if that is an expected failure mode.

 

Yes thanks I def have a gauge issue, so I'm going to have to play around with it, maybe other connections? but I still think my sender is also hooped. Thanks for the input

 

Anyone experienced this with their gauge?

 

I'm pretty sure they're using a thermocouple to do the measurement. If that is the case then it takes a very low voltage to move the meter. You should be very carful and make sure there are no nicks in the wire, also be sure that it's relitively clean for the entire length. If it is a TC then it probably doesn't plug into the back of the gauge so you can't isolate the problem by unplugging it from the meter. If it does plug in, have you unplugged it. As a last resort you could cut the wire(s) close to the gauge. You should contact AM though.

 

Well here's an update for those who care , I followed advice and contacted Autometer, they responded very quickly suggesting I check for a good ground, if that was fine to send the gauge in for repair, so I check for a good ground and all was fine until I looked back at the gauge and found this:






















































So I guess I'm shopping for a new gauge for my pod, anyone want to buy a slightly used Autometer Oil temp gauge ????????

 

Ouch, I'm thinking they might warranty that one .

 

Wow - what was the brand of the flow through intercooler you installed? That is some SERIOUS temperature drop!

I guess at two years they won't warranty, eh? Then again, if you own it, can't hurt to try ripping it apart...

 

Well I emailed Cory back at Autometer saying the needle fell off so assuming the cost of repair and shipping wouldn't be worth it, might as well buy a new one. Cory replied saying it would only cost me the shipping to them, they'd fix and return it!!!!! Needless to say ( pardon the pun) I'm pretty pleased about that, so I just whipped down to the post office and shipped it off today so we'll see. Thanks for all the help.