I would rather tap into a radiator hose via an adaptor. Can anyone tell me the MINI radiator hose diameter?

Also where can i put the oil temp sensor.......

 

I used the m7 water temp adaptor on my R56. Very well made and replaces an OEM coupler down below the overflow tank.

If all you're putting on is an oil temp gauge, Craven's is the only tap-less adaptor I know of. It allows the OEM pressure sender to still function, so no CEL. I used it for pressure, but had to use a mechanical sender as an electrical one wouldn't fit. It's a really tight fit. Either press or temp, not both.

IMHO, stay clear of oil temp senders that mount in the sump plug. With so little ground clearance, you're just asking for a quick disconnect! Good Luck

 

hmmmm...GEN2 plug straight down and I agree

GEN1 plug horiz' out the back and additions like a sensor or the Fumoto drain are A O K . . .

pssst ... this is a GEN1 forum

 

OOPS! Missed that part. Sorry.

 

hahah yes i do have a gen 1... but u guys lost me from there...so i can plug the sensor to the drain? if you could send me the link to the part that i need it would be great

 

I believe the factory oil temp gauge uses a sensor at the oil drain which on a first generation MINI comes out the back of the pan meaning any sort of addition to the plug length is fairly well protected. I'm a fan of the Fumoto oil drain which extends about an inch and a half with no problems IME


http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/

this doesn't work on the GEN2 tho cuz that engine has the drain plug flush on the bottom of the pan....you would certainly not want anything sticking out down there.

 

Ok so let me get this rite... i take the plug out and replace it with the fumoto then i can place the sensor in the the fumoto... now do i leave it open so the oil gets to the sensor... aslso what sizes do i need would i need an adaptor. My other question is are all the sensors the same for all gauges?

I’m just lost I don’t really see how the fumoto will be good because the sensor has threads that need to be screwed into something and from me looking at the fumoto it only screws into the oil pan and that’s about it, correct me if I’m wrong. I just want to get all aspects covered... i also read that you could get a sump plugs that will accept the sensor for the oil temp

 

I'm been running an oil temp sensor in the drain plug on my 02 MCS for over a year without any problem at all. It doesn't stick down below the oil pan and it doesn't make oil changes any more difficult. It's an easy place to get your reading.

 

i found this product but they say its used for oil pressurer. but i wonder if i can use this for oil temp? would that be too much heat because its closer to the block
http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=74

 

It shouldn't be, the one they make for the Gen2 can be used for either one. Call/email them and ask. They've given me good info on other parts.

 

I have this adapter for the oil temp sender on my R53. http://www.42draftdesigns.com/catego...lugadaptor.htm

Here's a post from another thread regarding the water temp adapter. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...7-post411.html The consensus from that thread is the heater hose is the best place to locate it. One of the other hoses won't give you a good reading until the thermostat opens.

*** EDIT *** As noted below in my new post, the correct adapter for the heater hose is 3/4" diameter. http://www.autometer.com/cat_accesso...il.aspx?vid=50

 

Where is the "heater hose" located? I am getting ready to add a water temp gauge to my gauge collection. I have boost and oil pressure now, and want to add a water temp gauge to sit up with them at the steering column. I will have Voltage and Oil Temp down in the lower console.

 

It's under the coolant overflow tank on the R56.

 

I have an R53, is it in the same location? I have the Bentley Book so I can look for it in there but the index isn't the best to find individual pieces.

 

I have been looking in my Bentley Book for the heater hose and can't seem to find it. I see the hose going to the expansion tank but i suspect that won't get a good reading until the fluid expands out towards the tank. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

anyone with some insight on where I can find the heater hose? I am at a loss.

 

Right under your positive battery post next to your airbox, you'll see a section of hose that connects to a T. To find the correct T, from the coolant overflow bottle, follow the skinny hose from the top till you get to it. From there, you'll want to splice your adapter into the hose that leads into the heater core inside the car.

Also, I found out the hard way that the Autometer adapter needed is 3/4", http://www.autometer.com/cat_accesso...il.aspx?vid=50, not the 5/8" that was mentioned in the prior linked post above.



HTH

 

thanks for the help. The heater core inside the car, is that in the cabin or near the radiator? I am not sure what the heater core is. Thanks!

 

The heater core is inside the cabin. The hose I spliced into is a short piece between two tees. (see diagram) Initially when I had the 5/8" adapter, I cut the hose, only to find out the adapter was too small. I went to Ace and got a length of 3/4" diameter heater hose as a temporary fix until I got the right adapter. I found that a slightly longer piece of hose allowed the adapter to fit a little better and not butt up against the tees inside the hose. There's enough play that the extra length didn't interfere with anything. I then thought I may have spliced into the wrong hose but my gauge moves gradually as the engine warms up and I was able to verify it through OBD with my android phone. The gauge tends to run approx. 5 degrees higher than OBD, most likely due to differences in sensor location. But the difference is always linear so it's good enough for me.

 

Thank you. I'm instaling the JCW air box this weekend as well so it should be easy to fit the apater while I have everything torn out.

 

Yup not much room with the box in the way. Good luck!

 

Thanks again. I will post pics and info once I get it all set up.

 

anyone since 2009 have any luck with an alternative location for the OIL temp sensor? I just pulled mine out of the pan and the threads were falling off, needless to say it doesnt seem like a proper place for it anymore.