im thinkin real hard about installing a temp guage on my scrambler 500 4x4. any one ever done it? any tips?

 

I have not put one on a scrambler but have several sportsmans and we buy the one from highlifter and it installs easily..

 

I put one on both of my 400s. I used a Stewart warner mechanical guage. I just picked up a 3/4 tee, a couple of hose barbs, and tied it rite into the radiator hose. Then I used zip ties to secure it up under the shock tower cross brace. DONT WANT IT TOO VIBRATE CAUSE IT WILL LOOSEN UP- leak- and then overheat.

 

well, tonite i did it. you can see my pics to see what im talkin about.

i have been reading other articles, that the factory temp warning lights were not to be trusted. that they could malfunction at any moment(just like every electrical part in this world). thus, putting your motor in jeopardy, especially when mudding on a hot summer day.

i had to do some research in my factory service manual first. it states that the fan is activated at 221 degrees. WAY TOO HOT if you ask me!!!!! the warning light sensor is mounted in the left side of the cyl head. the fan switch is mounted in the radiator. sooooooo,,,,,,,,

just about any temp guage will do. i went to auto zone and bought the Sunpro (white) mechanical temp guage with chrome bezel. i mounted the temp sensor into the factory sensor port in the cylinder head, originally for the warning light.

i hooked the guage lightbulb wire to the open electrical port for the headlites(green wires), and grounded the whole unit to the nearest frame screw.

i custom fabricated a handlebar mounting bracket for the guage, bolted it all in place, and wallahh!!!! i now have the peace of mind of knowing my motor temperature.

i also made a polaris sticker to dress it up.

after testing, i found that the fan switch is set to activate at 190 degrees. amazingly enough, after just a minute or two of the fan running, the motor temp actually drops 20plus degrees!!! way cool!!!

i wouldnt know any of this information if it werent for intstalling this guage.

 

sounds good I'll take a look when your pics are approved.

 

ScramblerX, Your scrambler is very nice looks great, nice job installing the temp guage..


TrailRIder

 

hey thanks alot!

it was really easy to do,, i cant believe more people dont do this, or have it come standard in the first place!

i think having a speedo would be nice too. the stock polaris ones are so big and bulky. i think i might look into the trailtech ones...

X

 

after more test rides,,

average running temp is about 170 in motion. but if its sits and idles, it will creep up to 190, then the fan kicks on.... dropping it 20 degrees. just sitting there! cool.

just FYI

X

 

Kinda nice to be able to keep an eye on things. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]