Hello. I have a Beta 38 engine with an ABVW panel on a boat that I recently purchased. I would like to add after market coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges. Some Beta panels include gauges for these two functions, is it possible to purchase the senders for these gauges? If not, is there a recommended supplier that would have the appropriate senders (that fit the available engine ports)?
I read in a previous post that the water temperature port on the engine head is 1/8" BSP. However, when I look at the port it looks like the plug that is there is about 3/8" in diameter. I will upload a photo of what I think is the port on the port side of the head:
Any information you can provide to help me identify suitable senders for these two functions would be very much appreciated!
That square head plug on the side of the cylinder head is indeed 1/8" BSP and is where you would fit a sender for the temperature gauge. The sender must be matched to the gauge or you will not have reliable readings. We do have the correct senders and gauges in stock.
Pipe thread sizing is different to regular sizing hence your confusion. There is also a difference between BSP and NPT so you must make sure that you get the correct sender or you will be cursing when things don't go together as they should.
The oil pressure gauge is a different thing altogether and here I suggest that you trust the standard Kubota alarm switch and warning light which is what your engine is equipped with. There is no spare tapping to fit a separate oil sender for a gauge.
First, thanks so much for the great customer service and quick reply! A couple follow up questions:
The water temperature sender: do you know what ohm range the sender sends over? I think the common range is 10-180 ohms, I have a gauge that reads that range. if that is the case, what is the part number and how would I order it from you?
In regard to the oil pressure monitoring--I don't intend to remove the exiting alarm sensor but rather to add the oil pressure gauge to supplement it. My understanding is that there may be two ways to do this. One is to add a T fitting where the alarm sensor is so the alarm sensor can remains and the pressure sender can be added. I have also heard that there is a port on the starboard side of the timing cover (on the underside) and that it is 1/4" BSP. I will attach a photo of it. Would either of these solutions work?
Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it!
The tapping on the side of the timing cover will work for the oil pressure but will leave the gauge sender vulnerable to damage when you are working on the engine.
I can supply a Faria gauge and sender or a Murphy one for more money. I match the senders with the same companies gauge so I don't have to worry about the ohm range. VDO taught me that one with their gauges and senders for different parts of the world. I do not put any pricing on the forum so if you want to order from us, please phone or email directly.
