Water temp gauge on a BX

ScottFromNZ · Unread post by **ScottFromNZ** » 28 Mar 2004, 08:43

Has anyone fitted a water temperature gauge to a BX diesel?
If so what is involved? If it is not too much hassle or expense I would rather have a gauge to look at than 2 lights that may or may not work when the time comes that the engine gets hot.

Unread post by **philhoward** » 28 Mar 2004, 16:01

One of the many sites out in cyberland gives info on how to insert the high spec dash (i.e GTi) into lower models along with where the sensors will fit in, but can't find it at the moment!

Unread post by **philhoward** » 28 Mar 2004, 17:08

http://www.tramontana.co.hu/citroen/coo ... oling.html about half way down the page..

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 28 Mar 2004, 20:46

I bought a pod mount one for my TZD, I replaced one of the original senders on the thermostat housing and mounted the stick on pod on the right of the dash, easy to wire, total cost around £40 (I fitted a boost gauge too) Its nice to know how hot its not getting.
Stewart

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 28 Mar 2004, 22:07

Whatever you do -
- be darned sure to leave the EARLY warning sensor switch in the thermostat housing. Don't fool yourself to think you only need the HI temp warning switch - as it's in fact too late when this comes on [}:)]
The original temp sensor switches has stamped on their operating temp.
The early warnig switch would have an operating temp beyond 100'C, while the HI warning would be beyond 110'C.

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 28 Mar 2004, 22:25

I carried out this mod on my TZD shortly after buying it in 1991. Having riden in several BX taxis in Southern Spain, I noticed that they all had after-market temperature gauges fitted. Not being a smoker, to fit the dial, I removed the pull down ashtray from the lower dash, discarded the container, and set the dial into the ashtray cover. That was then fitted back into the dash. The wiring passed through the bulkhead to the sender unit, which replaced one of the temperature switches. Which one, I cannot remember, but the car is now in the loving care of Bob Smith, a member of this forum. Perhaps he can tell you.

DLM · Unread post by **DLM** » 29 Mar 2004, 19:16

I've retrofitted from a scrapyard GTi as per the BX DIY site, and appreciate the feedback though it's in my case a relative measure rather than an exact one (sensor and gauge should preferably be a completely matched pair, but mine comprises a cannibalised Veglia gauge with an aftermarket sensor). It does show you that a surprising amount of heat can be dissipated by the cabin heater/blower at full blast...though this of course shouldn't be necessary.
I don't think this is the easiest route in your case, unless you have a GTi or 16v to cannibalise (seems pretty unlikely in NZ!) - the aftermarket route seems more feasible.
What may also be useful is a tell-tale for the fan circuit - for extra information. On the subject of the orange warning bulb: if you leave this in as per Anders' suggestion then test it frequently to check the bulb hasn't blown (sensor lead to earth, AFAIR).