This may sound stupid but I need a way to read the stock non-numerical coolant temperature gauge. Can a diagnostic or code reader do this?

I'm planning a junkyard electric fan swap and a product I plan on using in addition to this project needs me or gives me the option to set the temp setting to cut the fan on and off. I don't want to do it in a ball park range such as marking where normal is before I put the fan in and set it there. I want actual numbers so when I put a 180 thermostat in, the fan will cut on at 185.

I really don't want to hook up an aftermarket temp gauge as I want to keep it cheap but simple as I hope to do a write up on this and inspire others.

 

Also, anyone know what kind of amps our alternators put out. The junkyard fan I plan on using kicks some serious alternator butt. I think it needs about a 100 amp alternator typically but 160 would be best.

 

The alternator is 136 amps. I bought a temperature reader from the local auto parts store. Paid like 30 bucks for it. You aim it at the upper raidator hose and can read the temerature. It is somewhat accurate. I would like to replace the stock temp gauge with one with all numbers on it.

 

My bad just looked at my window sticker. The V8 has a 136 amp alternator. Why have 3 sizes of alternators? I can understand the larger one for towing but just use the 136 amp for both engines.

 

coondog05 and myself purchased an e-fan set up off of ebay. came complete with all conection and the temp sender that screws into the the top rad.hose port.only draws 16 amps. northcoast perf. was the dealer.