Question 1. Yep the gauges are a littler dimmer than the speedo gauge. You need to get the perfect match LEDs for brighter lights.Red Rider said:Just got my 42 designs vdo water temp installed. I have boost-water temp and oil temp gauges in a bernt pod.
The water temp was easy-i had the 1" adapter - the adapter went into hose very easy. I did cut a small slice in the the hose and bent hose with my hands to aim the stream better to container underneath nb.
After my hose, well ill put it this way- took its leak ,I sliced it in half and took about a inch off of one end. On the coolant- you will drain a little bit more than what is in your plastic container. Have a little coolant ready you may loose a very small amount.
Tighten clamps and installed wires and I was ready to go. Drove nb a while and no leaks what so ever. I believe the permatex high temp sealer that i put on sender threads really helped. Permatex told me it was made for this kind of application and would with stand 400 f temp, and after so many hours would create a good bond. My ohm meter told me i also had a good ground.
My temp gauge started reading at 100 f then moved to 180, and at a somewhat long idle reached 212 f. Makes a good drop in temp , especially in idle, with ac on. That fan does help.
I have two questions;
1. The vdo black face gauges are wired to dimmer, but the lights in gauge face are to low with dimmer switch turned all way on. I need more light in all three gauge faces. They are grounded to one of the bolts holding the switch box under dash-my ohm meter shows a good ground. Maybe this is normal.
2. I dont quite understand the temp gauge reading-it has 180 and has three marks beteen the 180 and 220. I think the first mark after 180 is 190 then 200 and then jumps to 220. Am i correct-if this is right it was fairly close to my vag (had my computer in car) readings, especially in higher temps.
I want to thank all of you for your help-now to install my oil temp-- 42 desighs reco. installation of sender to #10 plug on top of filter. Some say no- you dont get good reading-go to oil pan. So i need some advice here. Getting to top of oil filter will not be a picnic.
Also I plan not to run seperate plus wire to switch #75 in box. Seems to me i could splice into plus wire coming out of water temp gauge.