Head Temp gauge and wiring, Dakota wire length and other items Options

[Ishley]

I've decided to add a head temp gauge to my '72 with a 2056 engine. I have several questions.

What is the right length wire to get? I see 18' on some sites... but that seems way too long. Anyone have experience? Maybe 14" is right. I'm planning to installed in in my console.

Can I add a thermo coupler/connector in the engine bay to make it easier to deal with if I drop the engine? K type with a Male/female connector.

I plan to push the wire thru the rubber gooseneck at the fire wall and route the wires down the inside along with all wires. I've done plenty of wire routing... and I hope this is the last time I'll do this.

I'm planning to drill a hole in my tin near the #3 plug... and add a rubber grommet for a clean installation.

Any other considerations before I place an order?

[FlacaProductions]

Hey Ed - I have the Dakota unit.
I have the 18 ft. cable and was told by Dakota:
The SEN-11-8 uses thermocouple wire, and as such it cannot be shortened. If you need a shorter cable you can purchase one here:
https://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/pag...prod/prd115.htm

Otherwise you can coil up your extra cable and tuck it away.
====
Thats's exactly what I did - it's coiled up and secured behind the console gauge panel. I went this way because that length cable is the only one that has the proper (14mm) ring terminal.

there is a break (with little nuts and bolts) in the cable that should allow you a natural place to easily disconnect when you need to drop the motor. You can see it at the link above. Make sure you connect them in the correct orientation ("long" to "short" and "short" to "long" if that makes sense) otherwise you'll get some funky, incorrect readings. Ask me how I know.

Not sure a new hole in the tin would be the way to go - might make it difficult to get the ring around the plug and then threaded in. Mine goes thru the tin in the same hole as the #3 plug wire - I suppose if you want to get really fancy, you could thread the Dakota cable thru the plug wire grommet.

[emerygt350]

Did the same as flaca. Easy when dropping the engine because of the bit he mentioned.

[Ishley]

I’m not loving the connection between the engine and wiring harness. Maybe a sleeve over that.

[emerygt350]

I’m not loving the connection between the engine and wiring harness. Maybe a sleeve over that.

Yep.