Can any 12 volt water temp guage work on my 650? I can find electric or mechanical guages that light up for around 40 bucks at an auto store. The only ATV gauge I've seen is 80 bucks.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Dan W; you can use any 12 volt gauge as long as you use the sender that comes with it. I assume, bad thing to do I know, that you don't just like the idiot lite.

 

Yeah, I like to know what's going on before the idiot light comes on. It would be helpful in knowing when the radiator has a bit too much mud in it. I suppose that with a cheap guage like that I might have to waterproof or seal it somehow.

 

Dan; Two things to consider. If you mount the gauge head high enough water won't be an issue. Or get a mechanical guage and if you wire the lite into the bikes lite system, it will only come on when you turn the lites on, so water shouldn't be a problem. In either case your thinking about whats going on before the lite comes on is smart.

 

I'm looking to mount it in the upper right fender area, in front of my right knee. The back of it would be exposed to the splash and muck under the fender, but I think I could seal it and/or create some kind of guard or cover for it. I like the idea of it being lighted at night and connected to the ATV's lights.

Should the sending unit be mounted in the hose leading to the radiator or the one coming out of it?

 

Dan; The sending unit aways goes on the output of the engine so that it reads water temp as it leaves the engine. Preferably is to find a way to "T" the lite sender and mount it there. As to putting a guard on the guage, get a soft plastic drinking glass, cut it off and use the mount stud for the guage to hold it in place. Seal it up with some RTV and you should be good to go

 

Once again, thanks for the information. Great idea with the plastic cup! That is exactly what I will do.