How to use 1956 Laurentian Temperature Gauge with HEI 350

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

How to use 1956 Laurentian Temperature Gauge with HEI 350

SD 396 · Poncho Master!

Do you know what thread it is? Maybe it will thread right into the head.

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

that is the hard part. I have measured the threads with a caliper and came up with 0.62" for the threads. I have also taken out the fitting from the intake where I would like to put the sensor in. That fitting measures .66" I have looked at NPT charts and can't seem to see anything that jives with my parts. I find it odd that no one seems to use the factory temperature gauge. I have heated the sensor up and the gauge works, so i would love to use it rather than adding an aftermarket one. I have a standard iron chevy 350 intake and the place that I would like to add the sensor is a spot right beside the thermostat housing. It had a vacuum fitting on it which I would have had to cap off, so I would rather use that spot and get the factory gauge working.

davelacourse · Poncho Master!

I do not know if metric-mania has bled into late model SBC motors, but I am using my original 1956 Canadian Pontiac temp gauge in old-school BBC intake manifold, using an adaptor that was part of a (not inexpensive) kit of several different sized adaptors I got at a local auto parts store (NOT one of the big name brand stores, more like a mom-and-pop store) - took me a lot of looking to find it, sorry I do not remember the brand or part number.

Keep searching! It's out there somewhere!

Dave

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Thanks Dave. I was getting unsettled thinking it was a part that didn't exist. I sure hope to find it. I hope to drive this heap soon. I want to catch the rest of the driving season before winter settles in.

rabbit64cs · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

shoot a pic of the sensor bulb, it will fit into a bushing that is NPT on the outside threads. I think ?

dualquadpete · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Has your 350 got a place on the left side head[drivers side] near # 1 s/plug ??? thats where the switch for electric gage is usually screwed in. As Dave said you get many adapters in a guage kit, & the ones I've bought have fit the spot on the cyl. head no problem, you may have to go to that location!!!!!!

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Well Dave did it again for me. I had an old school triple gauge set kicking around and sure enough inside was the right adapter. Thanks Dave! Now just a few electrical things to tackle and I will have it running. I hope to have it running this week. Thanks everyone for the replies. Once again this site has helped make strides in keeping another Pontiac on the road.

davelacourse · Poncho Master!

Glad it worked out for you - and the price was right, eh?

Another reason to never throw out your old car stuff!

Those factory gauges look so 'right' in the dash, it is sure nice to be able to use them.

Dave