Tapping Diff/Tranny for Temp Probes

[BQuicksilver]

I recently purchased a SPA diff/tranny temp gauge to keep an eye on my temps at the track. Now I need to install the probes properly to get a good reading but not cause issues. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations?

The more specific the advice, the better.

Here is the probe. Same probe used for both diff and tranny.

[Z11409]

Originally Posted by BQuicksilver

I recently purchased a SPA diff/tranny temp gauge to keep an eye on my temps at the track. Now I need to install the probes properly to get a good reading but not cause issues. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations?

The more specific the advice, the better.

Here is the probe. Same probe used for both diff and tranny.

WE just install in drain holes--brass adapters will be needed

[BQuicksilver]

Thanks!

Thats where I was looking to install as well. I'd like to somehow keep my magnetic plugs though. The diff one in particular picks up a good amount of junk. Would using the fill holes cause an issue?

Also, can you elaborate as to where I could get the proper brass adaptors?

[DJWorm]

Substitute for the drain plug(s)

May need an adapter.

[touring2]

why not put the probes in the fill holes vice drain holes. when i put my trans cooler on, I had to leave out the stock temp probe. I ziptied it to a mounting hole on the side of the trans just in case i need it again. Hoping it works by direct metal-metal contact. I always run the cooler at the track, so i don't know if the monitor works. I woul dthink that you'd leave out the stock probe since you;'d be monitoring temps visually all the time. JMHO.
BTW, I don't think that with the trans cooler I really need a temp monitor, since I don't really run it hard like racing, just HPDE.

[DJWorm]

T2,

If you put it in the fill hole you are effectively monitoring the air temperature in the case which tells you nothing.

I really question the idea of continuously monitoring the tranny/diff temp in a non cooled car. It really gives you useless info in that you still are going to run it until the "OVERTEMP" Warning appears on the DIC. More imortantely it diverts your attention from more important tasks, such as DRIVING THE CAR, and monitoring more important data such as Tach RPM and Engine Oil Pressure.

WHO CARES WHAT THE TRANNY TEMP IS.. JUST AS LONG AS IT IS NOT OVERTEMP

Likewise with a Tranny and Diff Cooler installed; the coolers are either running all the time, switched to a cockpit ON/OFF switch and run ON for track events, or use an inline automatic temp switch that turns the units ON at the appropriate set temperature. The only data you need is the OVERTEMP Warning that would indicate the cooler pump has failed.

You already have an OVERTEMP Warning Sensor and do not need double redundancy on an HPDE car.

Monitoring Tranny/Diff temps will only tell you information that we already know
1. The Tranny/Diff will overtemp on the track on a non cooled car.
2. The Tranny/Diff will overtemp sooner the harder you drive the car and the higher the ambient temp is.
3. A tranny/ Diff cooler(s) will prevent the Tranny/Diff from reaching the overtemp condition.

If you are worried about overtemping frequently then you should just install the coolers.

You should not subscribe to the theory that a continuously monitored Tranny temp would allow you to "back off" and not reach the OVERTEMP Warning condition. For if you do you are wasting the DE entry fee and probably should just drive the car on the street.

Either:
- contuinue to drive the car in DE's without coolers and rest the car when the OVERTEMP Warning occurs
OR
- install the coolers

Don't waste time and money installing Tranny/Diff temp probes and gauges and then monitoring them. Forgedaboudit.

[touring2]

Big Worm, I think you meant to address your very correct and thorough explanation to BQuicksilver. I'm on your side. But the stock temp probe is in the fill hole, monitoring air temp according to you. In that case I have overheated my tranny air on a couple of occasions, hence , the cooler on my car. My only ques is does the probe pick up in metal-metal contact where I have pressed it into the mounting hole. It is just barely an interference fit. Never get an overtemp, but ov course, always run with cooler on. I have Infrared gun checked the trans case after a run, and found it <250degr depending on where I aim it.