temperature sensor 1972
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
temperature sensor 1972
Hello,
Which water temperature sensor can I use (and that functions correctly!) for a 1972 corvette since the old sensor is 1/2" npt and the new port is 3/8" npt?
Temp °F : Resistance
100 : 220
1.Mark : 109
210 : 79
2. Mark : 65
250 : 51
I do not want to use an adapter (1/2" to 3/8") or the solution with the 1/2" intake manifold ports.
Thanks in advance!
André
Which water temperature sensor can I use (and that functions correctly!) for a 1972 corvette since the old sensor is 1/2" npt and the new port is 3/8" npt?
Temp °F : Resistance
100 : 220
1.Mark : 109
210 : 79
2. Mark : 65
250 : 51
I do not want to use an adapter (1/2" to 3/8") or the solution with the 1/2" intake manifold ports.
Thanks in advance!
André
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 201
From: Willoughby Ohio
Barring moving the sensor the only option is to machine it. I believe Wilcox may offer this service but I would double check their site to make sure. I personally machined my own but I also understand that it is not an option for everyone. If you can get access to a lathe it is not that hard to do. I have picture in my engine build thread if you want to see machined sensor.
Good luck,
Dave
Good luck,
Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Just buy a new sensor with the correct thread size and test it for its resistance curve. If it's close, install it; if you need to put a calibration resistor across it to get correct reading at normal operating temp, have at it; if the calibration requires you to add resistance to get it reading reasonably well at op temps, stick an appropriate resistor in the signal line. This isn't brain surgery or rocket science...but you do have to "adjust" to make the available aftermarket parts work adequately.
All you want out of a temp gauge is for it to be reasonably accurate at the normal operating temp of the engine AND to indicate when the engine is 'colder' or 'warmer' than normal. Any [unfounded] belief that these C3 temp gauges did any more than that are misguided.
All you want out of a temp gauge is for it to be reasonably accurate at the normal operating temp of the engine AND to indicate when the engine is 'colder' or 'warmer' than normal. Any [unfounded] belief that these C3 temp gauges did any more than that are misguided.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,753
Likes: 1,393
You're making harder than it is. Get the Adjustable Resistor from Willcox, ask them for a recommended 3/8" sensor, buy them both, install the parts, and tweak it in.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...resistor-68-76
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...resistor-68-76
Hello,
Which water temperature sensor can I use (and that functions correctly!) for a 1972 corvette since the old sensor is 1/2" npt and the new port is 3/8" npt?
Temp °F : Resistance
100 : 220
1.Mark : 109
210 : 79
2. Mark : 65
250 : 51
I do not want to use an adapter (1/2" to 3/8") or the solution with the 1/2" intake manifold ports.
Thanks in advance!
André
Which water temperature sensor can I use (and that functions correctly!) for a 1972 corvette since the old sensor is 1/2" npt and the new port is 3/8" npt?
Temp °F : Resistance
100 : 220
1.Mark : 109
210 : 79
2. Mark : 65
250 : 51
I do not want to use an adapter (1/2" to 3/8") or the solution with the 1/2" intake manifold ports.
Thanks in advance!
André
Last edited by carriljc; Jul 5, 2017 at 04:04 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Went to my local Auto Parts store bought the sensor for my year model happened to be 1/2 NPT. Took it to a buddy that works at a machine shop and he turned it down to 3/8 npt and that was it. Works and reads perfect!...
Last edited by redcruz1120; Jul 5, 2017 at 05:32 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
None that anyone has any consistence with. As reported above there are a handful of people that have purchased part number X from supplier Y (search the forum) and had it work close enough, within 10-15 degrees of accurate, but seems to be hit or miss. Wilcox has a nice writeup on their site on their theory why (original not oil filled, etc).
Your options are also more limited if you have a pin connector (can't recall which type was in 72 without looking it up) and do not want to cut your harness for a different connector type. There are more blade style options for sure.
I gave in and bought the Wilcox adjustable pentiometer. Worked for me.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Jul 6, 2017 at 07:21 AM.
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