Temp Sensor Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 113
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From: Hudson NH
Temp Sensor Question
I'm in the process of installing Vortec heads on my motor. The stock temp sensor will not fit the hole in the heads (sensor is too big). Any recomedendations on a sensor that will fit and would work with the stock temp gauge?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Temp Sensor Question (jrh74cp)
I have the same problem, I'm thinking of taking my current sensor to an autoparts store along with a multimeter and doing resistance tests on ones that will fit in the Vortec heads. I might be wrong about this but I figure if I can find one that has the same amount of resistance at room temperature, then it should be close. Another alternative is to install the old sensor in the intake, I think there is a hole in the Vortec Performer that it will fit in. It won't be as good as having it in the head, but it should be close.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: Temp Sensor Question (Smokehouse69)
The problem is trying to find the correct 3/8" sensor with the correct resistance to match your temp gauge......
I drilled out the small 3/8"NPT hole with a 23/32" drill and tapped it with a 1/2"NPT.
[Modified by KenSny, 1:16 PM 1/23/2002]
I drilled out the small 3/8"NPT hole with a 23/32" drill and tapped it with a 1/2"NPT.
[Modified by KenSny, 1:16 PM 1/23/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 239
Likes: 5
From: Rochester NY
Re: Temp Sensor Question (jrh74cp)
Hi John,
Here is what I did last year, I had the same problem with my brand new ZZ4 crate engine.
Go to Autozone and buy a WELLS temp sensor part # TU5 it is a replacement 1/2" temp sensor used in the stock 350 L-48, cost is $5.99
Take the new sensor to a machine shop or to a friend that has a lathe, turn down the threaded area only down to 0.671" diameter.
Next buy or find somebody that has a 3/8"-18 npt. die (pipe die cuts a tapered thread). Thread the sensor while still in the lathe and use the tail stock to guide the die straight.
Thats it you are done, works like a charm.
I experimented on a couple of old temp sensors that I did the same thing to and then cut the open, there is plenty of material left.
My gauge seems to be working properly last summer, with a 180 deg. thermostat my gauge read between 180 to 200....
Ulf
Here is what I did last year, I had the same problem with my brand new ZZ4 crate engine.
Go to Autozone and buy a WELLS temp sensor part # TU5 it is a replacement 1/2" temp sensor used in the stock 350 L-48, cost is $5.99
Take the new sensor to a machine shop or to a friend that has a lathe, turn down the threaded area only down to 0.671" diameter.
Next buy or find somebody that has a 3/8"-18 npt. die (pipe die cuts a tapered thread). Thread the sensor while still in the lathe and use the tail stock to guide the die straight.
Thats it you are done, works like a charm.
I experimented on a couple of old temp sensors that I did the same thing to and then cut the open, there is plenty of material left.
My gauge seems to be working properly last summer, with a 180 deg. thermostat my gauge read between 180 to 200....
Ulf
