Oil temp sensor
- kaw-a-holic
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Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 06:59
Hey guys I would like to replace the dummy oil light sensor with an oil temp sensor. Bike is a 77 KZ1000. Right now I am using a Trail Tech dashboard. They have a 1/8 - 28th BSPP sensor. Do any of you guys know what the existing thread type is on the idiot sensor? Has anyone replaced the idiot sensor to run a different oil temp light, if so what did you use. I will be running a oil pressure gauge off the oil port above the points cover.
Thanks in advance,
Jon
Thanks in advance,
Jon
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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- SWest
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 07:09
It's the same thread as the port you are thinking of using.
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
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- kaw-a-holic
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 08:58swest wrote: It's the same thread as the port you are thinking of using.
Same thread type but not size correct? The stock sensor is much larger, .762 so 3/4". I didn't know if it would be NPT or not.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 12:05
Come to think of it your right. If the by pass has a oil port like mine, he could use that. It's just below the oil switch.
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
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- kaw-a-holic
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 12:54
So I figured out the answer. The OEM sensor uses 3/4" BSPT( British Standard Pipe Tapered). The sensor I want to use is 1/8" BSPP (no taper). Unfortunately no one makes a reducer for this. 3/4 to 1/4 but not 3/4 to 1/8. I may just buy a 3/4" BSPT Hex plug and tap it for 1/8" BSPP. What a pain in the A.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 13:13
What kind of gauge are you using? I have a OPG but now a Temp. one. That would be good to have. All the ones I've seen is Cel.
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
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Re: Oil temp sensor
06 Dec 2014 18:55swest wrote: What kind of gauge are you using? I have a OPG but now a Temp. one. That would be good to have. All the ones I've seen is Cel.
I'm using a Trail Tech Vapor . Its been a great gauge. They have a sending unit for air cooled bikes that is a ring that goes around the spark plug; I don't like it.
I gutted the OEM sensor and will drill and tap it to put the new sensor into it should work just fine, If it leaks I will go back to plan A and get a metal Hex plug to drill and tap.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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Mesa, AZ
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- tachrev
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Re: Oil temp sensor
08 Dec 2014 08:09
I left the pressure sensor in place and tapped the metal hex plug right near it (in the same oil manifold) for my oil temp sensor.
1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 : Street/Strip
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Re: Oil temp sensor
12 Dec 2014 10:03
So I removed the guts to the OEM pressure sensor drilled it out to 5/16" and tapped it for 1/8" BSPP. Here is the finished modification, looks like its stock to me.
The sensor I am using connects to my existing Trail Tech Vapor.
I do not recommend this mod without installing a pressure gauge. I am using the port above the points cover to connect an oil pressure gauge. Knowing you have oil pressure is much more important that know oil temp.

I do not recommend this mod without installing a pressure gauge. I am using the port above the points cover to connect an oil pressure gauge. Knowing you have oil pressure is much more important that know oil temp.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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Re: Oil temp sensor
12 Dec 2014 12:35tachrev wrote: I left the pressure sensor in place and tapped the metal hex plug right near it (in the same oil manifold) for my oil temp sensor.
That's what I was suggesting. I hate the oil light switch. It can fail and did on me causing a trashed piston. Best to have all. I'm looking for a Fahrenheit sensor. Any out there?
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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- kaw-a-holic
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Re: Oil temp sensor
12 Dec 2014 18:59swest wrote:tachrev wrote: I left the pressure sensor in place and tapped the metal hex plug right near it (in the same oil manifold) for my oil temp sensor.
I'm looking for a Fahrenheit sensor. Any out there?
Steve
What do you mean by Fahrenheit sensor? Just the sensor or sensor and gauge? Obviously you are in the states so you don't want to read Celsius for oil temp.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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Re: Oil temp sensor
12 Dec 2014 19:34
That's right, all I can find reads in Celsius with out all the bells and whistles.
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
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