CUCV M1009 temperature gauge

[Steel Hunter]

Hey guys, First time posting here but I’ve been reading the forums for a while now and I’m pumped to be able to reach to so many people with all kinds of knowledge. I’m taking a long road trip with my 1985 CUCV M1009 and I am concerned about overheating the engine during the summer heat. It does not have a engine temperature gauge in the truck. Does anyone know where I can get a temperature gauge kit so I can install it and have the peace of mind on my trip. I appreciate any and all info.

Thanks for the help

 

[Ilikemtb999]

You can buy any universal temp gauge from the auto parts store or summit. It’s not ideal but there is a plug at the water pump that you can easily use to mount the sending unit. The ideal solution would be to mount it behind the thermostat housing either with an hmmwv crossover or I’ve seen people still and tap the standard crossover.

I personally have an auto meter electric gauge mounted in the crossover but I’ve got a special one similar to the hmmwv (was from an Arctic kit)

 

[Steel Hunter]

You can buy any universal temp gauge from the auto parts store or summit. It’s not ideal but there is a plug at the water pump that you can easily use to mount the sending unit. The ideal solution would be to mount it behind the thermostat housing either with an hmmwv crossover or I’ve seen people still and tap the standard crossover.

I personally have an auto meter electric gauge mounted in the crossover but I’ve got a special one similar to the hmmwv (was from an Arctic kit)

Thank you for the info sir, I appreciate the response. Love you engine picture nice turbo set up, I would love to find one for mine

 

[Ilikemtb999]

Thank you for the info sir, I appreciate the response. Love you engine picture nice turbo set up, I would love to find one for mine

It’s an hx35 off of a 12v dodge, they’re plentiful and cheap.

 

[Steel Hunter]

It’s an hx35 off of a 12v dodge, they’re plentiful and cheap.

Sweet I’ll have to do some research on how to install and get one. Again I appreciate all the great info/knowledge.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

I forgot you could add the sensor to the head but you’d have to either ditch the dummy light sensor or the glow plug card sensor or make a T fitting to house both.

 

[Steel Hunter]

I forgot you could add the sensor to the head but you’d have to either ditch the dummy light sensor or the glow plug card sensor or make a T fitting to house both.

I like the sound of adding the T fitting so I can keep all my dummy lights. Thanks for all the great ideas I have projects for days. Lol
Have you heard of the Paradox by design
Military CUCV Cooling Upgrade System?
https://paradoxbydesign.com/collections/cooling-upgrades/products/cucv-coolant-upgrade-kit

 

[Mad Texan]

I like the sound of adding the T fitting so I can keep all my dummy lights. Thanks for all the great ideas I have projects for days. Lol
Have you heard of the Paradox by design
Military CUCV Cooling Upgrade System?
https://paradoxbydesign.com/collections/cooling-upgrades/products/cucv-coolant-upgrade-kit

With the paradox kit you can add the sender right by the thermostat in the spacer provided...

 

[Steel Hunter]

With the paradox kit you can add the sender right by the thermostat in the spacer provided...

Thanks Mad Texan! That’s a great photo. I’m no mechanic but I can bolt anything on, how hard was the install and how long did it take? Did you notice a big difference in temperature after the install? What thermostat gauge kit did you go with? Sorry for all the questions I’m just trying to absorb all the knowledge you guys have out there. Thanks again for your time and response.

 

[Mad Texan]

Thanks Mad Texan! That’s a great photo. I’m no mechanic but I can bolt anything on, how hard was the install and how long did it take? Did you notice a big difference in temperature after the install? What thermostat gauge kit did you go with? Sorry for all the questions I’m just trying to absorb all the knowledge you guys have out there. Thanks again for your time and response.

I installed the kit while I was doing the injection pump, but overall it’s bolt on. I used a VDO kit, I don’t remember the exact part number. I put the kit on pretty early in my ownership of my truck so I don’t really have any comparison. Currently seems to run between 180 to 190 with my current setup.

 

[Steel Hunter]

I installed the kit while I was doing the injection pump, but overall it’s bolt on. I used a VDO kit, I don’t remember the exact part number. I put the kit on pretty early in my ownership of my truck so I don’t really have any comparison. Currently seems to run between 180 to 190 with my current setup.

Ok thanks do you know if it can be installed without taking off the injection pump?

 

[Ilikemtb999]

I’m not sure I see a benefit to putting a temp sensor on the radiator side of the t stat unless I’m not seeing that right.

 

[Mad Texan]

Ok thanks do you know if it can be installed without taking off the injection pump?

It can be done without doing the injection pump. I was just doing several things at one time.

 

[Steel Hunter]

It can be done without doing the injection pump. I was just doing several things at one time.

Awesome thanks for the info I’ll update you when I do it!

 

[Steel Hunter]

With the paradox kit you can add the sender right by the thermostat in the spacer provided...

What thermostat did you buy to go in your truck?

 

[911joeblow]

As mentioned, yes the CUCV and Civilian 6.2 Paradox by Design Cooling upgrade kit has an extra port that can be used for a temp sensor. We also have an gauge adapter that can be plumbed into any of our kits which adds a port for use with a temp sensor.

The only downside of using the included port on the kit is the initial temperature rise will be slowly until the thermostat opens, but once open it will be a very accurate indication of overall system temperature. One benefit of that location is that it will indicate what temperature the thermostat is actually opening at.

 

[Steel Hunter]

As mentioned, yes the CUCV and Civilian 6.2 Paradox by Design Cooling upgrade kit has an extra port that can be used for a temp sensor. We also have an gauge adapter that can be plumbed into any of our kits which adds a port for use with a temp sensor.

The only downside of using the included port on the kit is the initial temperature rise will be slowly until the thermostat opens, but once open it will be a very accurate indication of overall system temperature. One benefit of that location is that it will indicate what temperature the thermostat is actually opening at.

Great info 911JOEBLOW , I am definitely going to pull the trigger and do this upgrade. I appreciate all who responded to my question. Such an awesome platform this is with tons of experience and knowledge. I will update this thread with pictures when I do the upgrade