C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

? Replacing temp sending unit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 21, 2006 | 11:23 PM
  #1  
BLUSHRK's Avatar
BLUSHRK
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma Washington
Default ? Replacing temp sending unit

through searching I've come to the conclusion that maybe my coolant temp is not really what the factory gauge shows. I've got a new one, but it comes with no instructions. Obviously it only screws in one way, can't screw that up, but what should I use on the threads? Anything at all?

Also, the headers come pretty close. (3 inches) Could that raise the reading that is showing on the gauge? Has anyone experienced lower temps by maybe putting one of those spark plug boot heat shields on the wire/sending unit? Would that help? Just thought I'd ask before I try to figure out how to actually get a wrench in there to loosen the unit.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2006 | 11:34 PM
  #2  
71406's Avatar
71406
Burning Brakes
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

I never put anything on the threads...and you want it to get a good ground anyway. You probably know this but some coolant will leak out during the change. Use a protective cover on the wire if you think the header will burn thorugh the insulation...other wise it should have no effect on the guage reading.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2006 | 10:29 AM
  #3  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

Your correct, the temp gauge shows Head temp in the center and not necessarily coolant temp. The coolant temp will be somewhat lower than the gauge reads and will not fluxuate as much as the gauge.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2006 | 12:17 PM
  #4  
kdlp's Avatar
kdlp
Pro
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
Default

Assuming your heads are stock, just spin it in... if you're running aluminum heads, I'd use some anti-seize.

kdlp
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2006 | 02:20 PM
  #5  
TexSon's Avatar
TexSon
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Default

The last couple of times I have changed the temperature guage sending unit I have used teflon tape. Gives it a good seal and there is still a ground made. Just a wrap or two is all it takes so the threads cut through to ground but it prevents any leaks.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2006 | 02:27 PM
  #6  
pws69's Avatar
pws69
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Default

Originally Posted by TexSon
The last couple of times I have changed the temperature guage sending unit I have used teflon tape. Gives it a good seal and there is still a ground made. Just a wrap or two is all it takes so the threads cut through to ground but it prevents any leaks.
Bad idea - it can "isolate" the sensor from ground and cause incorrect readings.

Best is good old Plumbers Pipe Cement - you can buy it anywhere and it's inexpensive. I use "Rectorseal" myself because my brother gives me the almost used up cans from his plumbing trucks!
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2006 | 11:01 PM
  #7  
TexSon's Avatar
TexSon
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Default

I've used teflon tape on both temp and oil sending units and have never had a ground problem.
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2006 | 11:29 PM
  #8  
clintwilson's Avatar
clintwilson
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Default temp.guage.reading.

if it is a 79 or 80 .the sending unit is differant.looks the same plugs in the same.has differant ohms value. local suppliers will sell you the part but wont work. check volunteer corvettes.(www.volvette.com)
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 27, 2006 | 11:43 PM
  #9  
Ak. Mal's Avatar
Ak. Mal
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Default

Originally Posted by clintwilson
if it is a 79 or 80 .the sending unit is differant.looks the same plugs in the same.has differant ohms value. local suppliers will sell you the part but wont work. check volunteer corvettes.(www.volvette.com)
That's the problem I have in my '80. My stock guage reads 40 degrees high. I run a second mechanical guage that sits where the clock use to. I went through a lot of trouble to figure out my guage was wrong and the car was not overheating. Finally I dropped the sending unit into a pot of boiling water and looked at the guage. The thread still exists with pics here.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To ? Replacing temp sending unit





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:28 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE