135C = 275F You sure your add in gauge is calibrated right? Wouldn't the coolant boil and overflow at that temperature, even with the 15 psi pressure cap + I would expect all sorts of warnings before that level ?

 

Pleased to hear you've found a use for the 'glasses holder' because I've never had a pair of glasses that fit into it.

Graham

 

Sorry about that, should have been 235 F.

 

I've always liked gages in all my cars; I'm an engineer and naturally like to monitor any machine that I operate. Since I got my XKR I've been looking for a way to add gages but I did not want to loose the sat nav system either. I finally found the solution a few weeks ago from a company called Radar Mirror. In addition to high end radar detector systems, the also sell electronic gages, which they will integrate into your existing rear view mirror (see photo). It allows me to maintain the factory look of my car, while still upgrading its capabilities. I will be installing this, in combination with WhiteXKR's RealGage mod, into my 2002 XKR in a couple weeks. Using RealGage from WhiteXKR, I'll convert the existing coolant gage into an actual working gage. Then with the RadarMirror and AEM digital gages, I'll be adding a working oil pressure and voltmeter gage.



Mark

 

Now that is really slick, how expensive was it?

 

I thought so.

In My Corvette, It would do the same thing. The temp would get up to 235 and then the fan would come on & it would drop like a rock to around 195 and startt over again.

I ordered the kit for the temp gauge and am looking forward to hooking it up. I will in time get the kit for the oil gauge as well.

 

Actually, it was a little pricey but anything for my baby. The digital gages were about $300 and the modifications (I removed and sent in my original review mirror) to the mirror was $500. But I really wanted the gages and I do not want to mess up the factory look of my XKR. I have selected all my mods carefully to add the functionally I want and complement the original look.

I found this place while looking for a birthday present for my business partner. He drives a Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa and I got him a Passport 9500ci radar detector system with the display integrated into his mirror. I don't really push the speed limit much so don't need a system like this but when I saw the digital gages I knew I had found the solution to my problem of how to install the gages I wanted, keep the sat nav and maintain the factory look.

Mark

 

Not directly related to this thread but since we are talking about coolant temps I did have a question. When I had my Corvette one of the first things that I did (based on reading posts from other Vette owners) was to install a lower temp thermostat (180-degrees) and also programming the fans to come on earlier. The car definitely ran cooler and it caused NO problems in the moderate SoCal temperatures.

Has anyone installed a lower temp thermostat (the only one I have seen advertised is from Eurotoys)? For maximum benefit it would also be necessary to reprogram the fans but I don't think this is easily done without some type of sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

Doug

 

I think for most people the cooling system operates well and within the design temperatures. UNLESS there is a coolant system fault/problem, then the original gauge/warning system is not really helpful, to the point that damage to the engine can occur. Hence the various discussions about aftermarket gauges.

 

I would recommend the afore mentioned RealGauge from jagwrangler.com. It is an easy install for an experienced DIY'er and maintains the original look. I installed both the coolant temp. and the oil pressure upgrades and am very pleased.

A good investment for those who want to keep on top of things as they develop...

 

I installed the RealGauge temp module recently. Easier to do than I expected and I got to see what lives inside my dashboard. It's very satisfying to know I have a working gauge now and not an animated idiot light.

 

I have been shooting the coolant temperature with an IR gun and noticed my coolant temperature had increased by 15 F. If I had relied on the idiot gauge I would not have been alerted to the potential problem (water pump). RealGauge! and the "history" feature is what I need.

 

There are units available on ebay that have:

-- digital display (orange or blue digits depending on model)
-- relay control circuit
-- programmable low and high limit
-- programmable hysteresis
-- programmable temperature offset for compensation

having the programmable features means it can also be used to control a audible alert or used as a substitute for a failed fan controller module.

$25 or so.

 

RealGauge has audible alarms for both coolant temperature and oil pressure (even the coolant only version has the oil pressure alarm). They are preset to warn when you begin to hit a danger zone.

It is designed specifically for these cars and to blend in seamlessly. You do not need to add a cheap plastic box with a display to your interior.

And good luck getting support for your $25 ebay purchase.

 

People have been looking for alternatives to failed fan controls for ages. This is a viable option. There is nothing wrong with exposing alternatives to members. Some members may even prefer fully mechanical coolant temperature gauges. There are also various other uses for the device. For example, transmission temperature or differential temperature. A rotary selection switch and additional thermocouples can put it all in one display unit.

As for support, it's two wires and a thermocouple. Not terribly complicated at all. It is certainly not beyond the skills of anyone who can connect to a switched power source and ground.

 

+1 on the real gauge solution. Did it and am very pleased with the Jag gauge finally doing it right.

 

Another +1 on the RealGauge solution. Easily one of the best investments I've made on my car. Love knowing what's really going on under the hood. And when I have a car guy riding shotgun, it keeps the "real" car factor where it needs to be.

A highly recommended addition for many reasons.

 

I bought the real guage kit and had it installed. (I am not that brave.) My Indy had a heart attack but it is in and working. I feel better now. I was considering replacing the temp & oil gauges with aftermarket ones. I just decided that would be too much work and it is hard to find classy gauges these days.

 

Similar idiots quickly attempted to check coolant and think they could top off. Scalding insured!! They could read a gage, but couldn't read the "do not open while hot" warnings!!!!

 

That's exactly what happened with my 2010 XK 5.0. The water pump failed, while the previous owner was on a trip, and fried the engine, to the tune of $11,000 for a used one with 17K miles. Sure wish there was a temp. gauge I could put somewhere.
Double D