Is this a bad idea?

[MichMan84]

Alright so in order to fit my oil temp sensor into my oil pan, I came up with this so I wouldn't have to remove it every time I change my oil. I know this may affect how accurate the oil temp reading is but it was the only way I could think of to get it in there. I used a steel "T" with a nipple out of one side to thread into my oil pan drain. One of the other ends has the sensor in it, and the other has my oil plug in it. It seems to work good with no leaks but I am hoping it stays that way once I get it out in the woods on some rough terrain.

What do you guys think, is this a bad idea?

oil temp sensor.jpg

[msafi65]

Did you look for another drain plug? Most of these engines have at least two. Your sensor would be slightly more accurate if it was totally in the oil sump. Probably not enough to notice. What engine is it and what kind of temps are you getting?

[MichMan84]

Did you look for another drain plug? Most of these engines have at least two. Your sensor would be slightly more accurate if it was totally in the oil sump. Probably not enough to notice. What engine is it and what kind of temps are you getting?

My sensor was a little to long to even fit in so I kinda assumed the other oil plug would be the same. That's why I came up with this idea. It has an 18hp kohler magnum and I have only ran it long enough to get it a little above 100 so far. I have been working on it in the city so I can't really ride it around much, but its going back up north in the next few days so we shall see how hot she gets! I just wanted to see what everyone thought about my new drain plug's durability. My nephew(gonna be 4 this year) is gonna be up north when I get there and he is really excited to drive my "Splasher" into the woods and the lake. So it would be a real bummer if it broke and I had to spend the only time he gets to come up here working on it.

[Nubs]

I think it will work just fine, it may read a bit low but after a few non stressful runs you'll get a read on its operating temp.

[phabib]

I don't see why anything would break. I think the sensor will be slower to warm up and possibly will read lower than actual temperature because the pipe will cool the oil and you won't be getting any oil flow into the pipe to replace that cooling oil with warmer oil. You could mitigate for some of that error by insulating the pipe. Of course, the important thing is to know is if it starts to behave abnormally so as long as you don't see it rise from its normal position too much you ought to be OK, no matter what the absolute accuracy of that reading is.

[ARGOJIM]

Did you mount this on the front or rear of engine? if in the front, how much clearance from the body do you have?

[MichMan84]

Did you mount this on the front or rear of engine? if in the front, how much clearance from the body do you have?

I mounted it in the drain on the clutch side so plenty of space between it and the tub. It is a little close to the drive clutch, but I already ran it at full throttle and it is still a few inches away so I'm happy with it.