I'm installing aftermarket mechanical oil pressure and coolant temp gauges. In doing so, I have to unplug the factory wires to each of the sensors. Is this okay to do? If not, any suggestions...

 

FIrst of all welcome to the forums.
It would be easier to give a better responce if we knew the vehicle you were installing it into. I would not unplug any sensors in newer cars or trucks without knowing what it will do or cause by not being attached.

If it is a OBD car then I would opt out for either one of these.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

or

http://www.dashhawk.com/

Better results and you get way more information.

 

Welcome to the forums.

Another option which would keep the existing systems from going nuts would be to use a brass tee fitting at the senders. This would keep the original in the loop, and allow you to hook up your gauges, also.

Thumper is right about the newer systems. Everything is either interconnected, or connected differently.

 

Thanks guys,

Sorry about that, I have a 89 C2500. The gauges do have brass fittings so I may be able to tie them in.
Basically, the coolant sensors has one plug two wires. I assume as the engine heats up or cools down it changes the resesitivity in the circuit. Therefore, would I just make the connection using the existing wires?

The oil pressure sensor (I think) has one wire. In order to install the tubing, I would have to remove the orginal device and bypass the "low oil level" signal. Not sure how the existing sensor works. I assume the check engine light would come on once this wire is removed due to no signal. The instructions for the gauges don't really discuss a fix for this.

Hope this helps.

Thanks again,
Nick

 

Engine size - 5.0L

 

I still would not recomand removing any exhisting guages. As stated above Brass t blocks would work good. I have that installed on my astro for a tranny guage. If it is electric you will need to ground off the t block though. Please post some pics of your ride we love seeing new rides.

 

To Thumper should you listen! Wise is his counsel! Yazz, g-hack, hack!

(That's the way we always do it on Dagoba ...)