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If it's a stock one in the head it's likely the temp sensor for the TCS system
Most likely has 2 spades on it and a jumper from one to the other
M
Yes, it belongs to the TCS system; But, to be technically precise, it is not really a "sensor" in the classic sense, but a switch. Actually, two, in one housing...
And yes, it has two spades, which are wired somewhat funnily... They are actually externally connected! The reason for that becomes clear when you consider the function of the switch: One of the spades gets shorted to ground BELOW a certain temperature. The other one gets shorted to ground ABOVE a certain other (higher...) temperature. The TCS system in this way determines whether the engine operates within a certain temperature range, and is rendered inoperative outside of it.
Thanks for the replies. The wire going into the connector is broken and the connector is in pretty bad shape. Don't notice any problems with engine performance. Are replacement connectors available?
Chances are the TCS system is long gone so the sensor (switch) isn't doing anything anyway.
The TCS was basically there to keep the vacuum advance from working until the engine warmed up (various other things affected it such as what gear you were in etc). Early pollution control system type thing.
Depending on what year it was (71 had a special one year only thing) there are a few other parts to the system, the most commonly removed was a vacuum switch that shut out the vac-advance to the distributor. Bolted on the intake manifold between the carb and the distributor, vac-line goes in and out of it on the way to the distributor. Electrical plug Blue and tan wire IIRC