B7100 Temp. Gauge

Saskstallion

New member
Mar 9, 2018
26
0
1
Edmonton, AB, Canada
I'm wanting to install a temperature gauge on my '80 B7100.
I've bought the in-line fitting to attach an analog gauge to the rad. hose.
Is there anyone out there that has installed a 2" gauge in the dash panel somehow?
I've attached a photo of the dash on my unit.
I'd like to install in the dash (maybe beside the hour meter) to keep it looking factory, but am open to any suggestions others may have.
There is some sort of "heat sink looking" piece behind the dash, beside the hour meter, but maybe this could be re-located?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
 

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JerryC999

Member

Equipment
B7100HST
Aug 16, 2014
89
0
6
Simpsonville, KY
I too plan to install a temp gauge on my B7100. I think I will use that adaptor that you splice into your top radiator hose as the way to tap into your water for a temp probe. The hose outlet on the B7100 is a 34 mm. Hope that works.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/34-MM-1-34-Water-temp-Sensor-Adaptor-Gauge-Radiator-Hose-Clamp-RD/262454333956?rt=nc&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44040%26meid%3D9b4ee41823874db8ae1d794b1bbfac6c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D182592904972%26itm%3D262454333956&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Those look like a good, solid way to set up a temp probe.
 
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procraftmike

Member

Equipment
1977 B7100DT w/B219 FEL
Jan 27, 2016
277
10
18
Neenah, WI
I'm wanting to install a temperature gauge on my '80 B7100.
I've bought the in-line fitting to attach an analog gauge to the rad. hose.
Is there anyone out there that has installed a 2" gauge in the dash panel somehow?
I've attached a photo of the dash on my unit.
I'd like to install in the dash (maybe beside the hour meter) to keep it looking factory, but am open to any suggestions others may have.
There is some sort of "heat sink looking" piece behind the dash, beside the hour meter, but maybe this could be re-located?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
I added both an oil pressure gauge and a temp gauge. My hourmeter was bad, so I yanked it and added an oil gauge to that opening. Who needs to constantly monitor the hourmeter anyway. I just use it for my maintenance schedule. I installed a new one (different style) under the hood instead. I ended up adding a temperature gauge, but I installed it to the left side of the dash (hangs off the side), while seated on the tractor.
 

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Last edited:

JerryC999

Member

Equipment
B7100HST
Aug 16, 2014
89
0
6
Simpsonville, KY
I thought I would finish up this by posting about the solution that seems to be working for me. I bought a Bosch mechanical gauge ($25), and a 34 mm radiator hose T with a 1/8 npt fitting. Had to tap out the T to accommodate a 3/8 npt fitting (pipe thread - minimum for a mechanical probe).

Installed the gauge in the existing hour meter spot, running the cable along the intake side of the engine. Needle vibrates a good bit under running, can jump around some, and records temps at idle at about 215 degrees, and run full out at from 220 - 225. Gets awful close to that 230 mark, though.



 
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procraftmike

Member

Equipment
1977 B7100DT w/B219 FEL
Jan 27, 2016
277
10
18
Neenah, WI
If that gauge is accurate, you seem to be running a tad bit warm. I would make sure your screen and radiator fins are clean. Don't just inspect them, but get in there with the air compressor to blow the fins out good, after you remove the screen.

Mine runs at about 180 degrees at idle, 210 degrees if I am working it good. Others on here have reported similar readings to mine.

Check to make sure the radiator is within 2" or so of being full as well.
 

85Hokie

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Jul 13, 2013
10,269
2,104
113
Bedford - VA
If that gauge is accurate, you seem to be running a tad bit warm. I would make sure your screen and radiator fins are clean. Don't just inspect them, but get in there with the air compressor to blow the fins out good, after you remove the screen.

Mine runs at about 180 degrees at idle, 210 degrees if I am working it good. Others on here have reported similar readings to mine.

Check to make sure the radiator is within 2" or so of being full as well.
Everything Mike said is spot on ;)

I have the same setup as Mike and mine does not vibrate - and 180 is at idle and 210 when working hard.

Get a infrared thermometer......check the top neck of radiator ....and the bottom neck....ought to be 50 degrees min!!!! MORE like 70 is somewhat normal, if you are not there when working hard - do as Mike said, clean and clean again, I like the ol vinegar trick myself - that cleans the radiator out from normal stuff.

On another note - use a mix of 30-70 antifreeze to water - this will gain you a few degrees cooler. IF you really want to - run some pure water through it and change it a couple of times this summer as you cut and replace with 30-70 once cold comes back around again.
 

JerryC999

Member

Equipment
B7100HST
Aug 16, 2014
89
0
6
Simpsonville, KY
All of that I have done. I did actually overheat once (whistle blowing), when I discovered that my radiator fin cleaning was not up to snuff. Since then, I pull screens off and blow it out each and every time before use. Even so, I am still running 230 degrees according to this Bosch.

What I have not done is anything more than replacing coolant. Not sure how to tell is the coolant flow itself is somehow restricted.

I would feel so much better at 210 than 230.
 

JerryC999

Member

Equipment
B7100HST
Aug 16, 2014
89
0
6
Simpsonville, KY
I do have an infrared- I will give that a shot. And just what is the "old vinegar trick"? A vinegar mix to flush out the radiator? What is the ratio?
 

85Hokie

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Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Jul 13, 2013
10,269
2,104
113
Bedford - VA
I do have an infrared- I will give that a shot. And just what is the "old vinegar trick"? A vinegar mix to flush out the radiator? What is the ratio?

getcha about 2 quarts of vinegar.....and another couple quarts of distilled water......
pour it in after draining radiator
run it till hot...
drain.....notice color of fluid? rusty and nasty.....
repeat.....
when color comes out somewhat clear add water and some baking soda - this will stop all effects of the slight vinegar that is left.

Run straight water and see IF there is any difference.....the infrared will tell more than the gauge.;)
 

D2Cat

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
12,895
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40 miles south of Kansas City
My experience with gauges these days seems to be no matter what brand, they are very inaccurate. When I put temp gauge in my L305 I had similar problem as you express. It took three gauges to find one that was accurate.

One use to think if it said "Bosch" it had to be good. Not so much any more. Look to see where it comes from!