Need help building a temp guage

[woodlandfarms]

So I have 2 oil systems on my tractor. The engine temp is monitored at the cab, but there is no temp guage on the hydraulic system. I was thinking of putting a temp guage in line, something "mechanical" and not electrical if possible.

Any ideas on this? I think the line is either 5/8 or 3/4. I was going to put it on the inlet of the oil cooler (easiest place to read I think).

 

[J_J]

Stauff Hydraulic Level Temp Gauge SNA 127 B s T 12 New in Box | eBay

Hydraulic Oil Temperature Gauges

 

[woodlandfarms]

Thanks JJ. Not quite what i was looking for but I think I have found some good sources. Looks like it will be a 2 parter, guage and probe and the housing from a seperate company.

 

[woodlandfarms]

JJ, One question. You have my tractor. If you bought the Stauff where would you install it? I worry about it getting broken on the side of the tank, and you can't see it anywhere else.

 

[puckgrinder85]

Couple more suggestions if you want simplicity. Either a dipstick type temperature gauge, I know my tractor has a dipstick for the hydraulics and would be easy to install one. Or a stick on type you could stick on to the outside of the case. Might not be what you're after but thought I'd mention it for a cheap alternative.

 

[IceStationZebra]

Without knowing how your tractor in particular is plumbed, in general there are two common locations.

1. Right before the cooler: This location is good since it is almost always after the return filter and the pressures will be low (usually <75psi worst case). This provides the best indication of the oxidation rate since this is where the oil is hotest (ideally you should keep <180ｰF with 220-225ｰ max, see below) If you have an open center system you will have a good idea what the sump temps are even if you aren't using the hydraulics to do work. (brakes, transmission, wet clutch, steering, etc.) But it only indirectly tells you how good the cooler is working.

2. In the reservoir: The benefit over #1 is that with a closed center system you get a good oil temp reading even if you aren't using the aux hydraulics. Some machines come with it standard.

FYI - Oxidation depends on contamination, water, heat and time. Oil life halves for every 18ｰF over a critical temperature due to oxidation. For low grade oils this is 140-145ｰF and high grade 165ｰF.

FYI - Rubber components also break down due to heat. Standard NBR seals, by far the most common, are good for extended use up to ~180ｰF while HNBR can tolerate 220-225ｰ.

ISZ