2N Heat gauge question

I am helping restore a 2N Ford for our tractor club. It did not have a
heat gauge can one be installed?

Most folks don't see a need for one. I've got 4 8N's and work them year around here in VA; none have temp gauges.

If you want an accurate reading, drill and tap the boss in the left front of the head.

If you're not to concerned about accuracy, install one in the upper hose.
75 Tips

I'm like Bruce, none of my nine N tractors have a temp gage. Henry Ford didn't think they needed one, I think he was right.

The two comments so far are right on, and if you're restoring to original then you wouldn't have one. That being said, if you like gadgets (as I do) and you want one, the UTG25 for $22 is a great buy from YT right here. Most other gauges have a green and red area or the scale is too broad to tell you much. The UTG25 has more detail and I checked it before installing in a pot of boiling water and it was right on 212. I used the upper hose (mount it BEFORE the thermostat in the water flow), and it reads great. Using the boss on the upper left corner of the head (viewing from the oil filter side) would give improved accuracy, check past articles for Hobo's guide to drilling and tapping the boss if you want that.

On mine, the temperature goes up after starting in a couple or three minutes to 190, then goes up a bit more as the thermostat opens and lets hotter water from the head area start flowing. Then it goes down slightly after cooler water from the radiator begins flowing and has made the journey to the engine and back out. Then it goes back up and will stabilize after a few minutes depending on the outside temp and how hard you're working the tractor. It is interesting to see it work; but it does not change or help me operate the tractor; I warm it up for several minutes before working it hard. I have a voltmeter and ammeter, too; and especially like the voltmeter which has told me of alternator and battery problems better than the original ammeter alone. Good luck..., do what you want!

Thanks to all. We?re just cleaning up a donated tractor. Ordered gauges and came with a temp gauge . Probably will tap into top radiator hose

This is not my first choice...
Bob...Owner 2-N Ford

KUDOS to you and your club for taking on the project. Be sure to get copies of all the Essential Manuals to use as aids - the Master Parts Catalogs are huge valuable tools. Know too that there is a difference between a 'restoration' and a 'refurbishing' job. The only N-Series Tractors that used a temperature gauge were the NAN Models that were the kerosene burning units and used primarily as imports to the UK, Europe, and Australia. There was a temp gauge used on the dash panel at the 5 O'Clock position to the Oil Pressure Gauge -see PIC. At some time Ford was going to add a temp gauge on the 8N and cats a boss on the head on the front LH corner where the sensor was to be drilled, tapped, and inserted. As stated, the debate about why Ford never added one is an ongoing discussion. OEM N?s never had a temp gauge except as noted but if you are not doing a real correct restoration and feel you must have one, well, it?s your tractor and your time & money. If you need a correct 2N generator, carb, and/or distributor, I have some rebuilt and ready to go -email is open.

FORD-FERGUSON 2N DASH PANEL:

FORD 9N/2N ESSENTIAL OWNER/OPERATOR/PARTS/SERVICE MANUALS:

Tim Daley(MI)