coolent sensor 81 corvette
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
Chevrolet had high warranty replacement issues with that connector setup, not so much because of the sensor, but due to the fragile signal/ground connection -which decreases accuracy - so they upgraded it. Technicians were often improperly installing them in their haste, but regardless they had a runaway reputation (unearned imho) for causing any driveability issues on the '81-82 MYs. However, with some basic research the current design is available - I think I found mine at rockauto, wanting to keep everything mostly original and not have to change the wiring.
If I recall, and it's been two years since I replaced mine, try to leave a slight amount of metal to metal contact between the sensor and engine block, instead of over-wrapping it with teflon tape. I may be off, it may apply to a different sensor, but just in case. Also, be careful while gently removing that beige plastic sensor cover - it would be a hard item to replace.
Good luck -
If I recall, and it's been two years since I replaced mine, try to leave a slight amount of metal to metal contact between the sensor and engine block, instead of over-wrapping it with teflon tape. I may be off, it may apply to a different sensor, but just in case. Also, be careful while gently removing that beige plastic sensor cover - it would be a hard item to replace.
Good luck -
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Any NAPA store has the coolant temp sensor under Echlin part number ECH TS4032. About $20. They also carry the replacement connector with pigtails under part number ECH TSC200, also about $20.
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