Temp Sensor needs replacing.....is it difficult?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Temp Sensor needs replacing.....is it difficult?
The engine temp sensor (located between #1 & #2 spark plugs) needs to be replaced. Putting a new one in on Friday.....is there a trick to it? It looks pretty straight forward and simple but you know how our babies can be...finicky at best. How much coolant will be lost when I take the old one out? Do I need to use thread sealant? Etc Etc Etc.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
About a gallon & a half.
DO NOT use any type thread sealant ... no tape, no dope ... nothing. Both threads have a tapered pipe thread that seals tighter as you tighten it.
May as well renew the t'stat at same opportunity.
DO NOT use any type thread sealant ... no tape, no dope ... nothing. Both threads have a tapered pipe thread that seals tighter as you tighten it.
May as well renew the t'stat at same opportunity.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
When it's cold (the engine) take the radiator cap off, put it back on, then replace the sensor. If you're quick, you can do it and not lose over a quart of coolant. But as suggested above, drain the system, repacle the 'stat while you're there. I use never-seize on the t'stat housing bolts..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
As already mentioned, do NOT use any sealant, teflon tape, etc on the threads at all. The threads are what provide the ground for the electrical circuit and any sealant, tape, etc that you used would affect the grounding and therefore affect the temp readings causing a false reading on temp gauge.
When replaing the sensor I always drain about a gallon of coolant out so it's below the level of the sensor position, swap out the sensot, than simply replace the coolant back in the system.
total job shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes.
When replaing the sensor I always drain about a gallon of coolant out so it's below the level of the sensor position, swap out the sensot, than simply replace the coolant back in the system.
total job shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
when did you come to my garage to take that pic of the contents of my toolbox Paul? 
Especially the duct tape - you know that can fix almost everything - just ask your own countryman Red Greene
Especially the duct tape - you know that can fix almost everything - just ask your own countryman Red Greene
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
The only difference between changing that sending unit and a spark plug is the fluid that pours out of the hole you just unplugged.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,685
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by BarryK
Paul, you mean I shouldn't use a monkey wrench or vice-grips anymore when swapping out temp senders??
only kidding - I'm not THAT much of a Bubba!
only kidding - I'm not THAT much of a Bubba!
I would love to have used a monkey wrench (or better yet, an impact wrench
) but had to settle for my needle nosed vise grips.