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I have a zz4 crate motor in my 74 and am looking for a temp sensor that will fit in the head and work with the factor gauge. I have a sensor in one of the ports on the intake for the fitech and the other port is unusable due to clearance with the radiator hose and filler neck. Has anyone found a sensor with the smaller thread size that will work?
The Lectric Limited sensor is 1/2 x 14 N.P.T.F does anyone know what the thread size is on the ZZ4 head and what type of adapter is needed to install the Lectric Limited sender
Thank you for the reply. I was looking for a direct fit sensor. The factory sensor is 1/2" and the head I believe is 3/8. Thinking about having the factory sensor turned down by a machine shop and threaded to fit the head. Has anyone tried this?
Thank you for the reply. I was looking for a direct fit sensor. The factory sensor is 1/2" and the head I believe is 3/8. Thinking about having the factory sensor turned down by a machine shop and threaded to fit the head. Has anyone tried this?
If you want correct readings you use that sensor and an adapter. Have never heard of a shop doing that since they dont know the thickness of the metal shell and cutting it will weaken it.
Autometer sells adapters.
If all you need is a temp reading, there may be a 1/2" NPT threaded hole in the intake, or in the water neck, that can be used to give you coolant temp.
Thanks for the reply. I do have 2 1/2" holes in my intake but the radiator hose and neck don't leave enough room to use the left one and I have the sensor for Fitech in the other one.
Thanks for the reply. I do have 2 1/2" holes in my intake but the radiator hose and neck don't leave enough room to use the left one and I have the sensor for Fitech in the other one.
Shops can and have cut these sensors down to size. Willcox used to sell the sensors pre-cut. Seems like their business has faded in the last 2 years.
Anyway, if it’s not 1/2NPT I’m pretty confident it’s 3/8NPT. IF you want to remove all doubt, you can get a few NPT plugs for a few bucks and see which one fits, then take the sensor and the plug to your local shop. As long as they have a 3/8NPT die they should be good.
It’s true that there’s not much meat there, but as long as the die and sensor are fairly concentric you should be fine.
I have not been able to find an adapter. The only one I have found is 3/8 to 5/8. Also I am planning to put headers on and am thinking there might be issues with the sender sticking out the side that much further.
Thank you for the reply. I am going to try it. This motor swap is fairly common so I figured someone would be selling them. Once I find a shop near me that will try it I will let everyone know how it turns out.
I was going to recommend Willcox since they sold a modified sender and an adjustable resistor but I'm not sure what's going with them? Their website has been down for awhile. Anybody know? I bought their adjustable resistor and dialed in my gauge. It read correct for the first time in decades.
Anyway - have you considered a different thermostat housing? Hose may have enough flexibility to adjust. I am using the holes on each side of the thermostat housing. Driver side for EZ-EFI and Passenger side for temp sensing. Let me see if I can find a picture.
Originally Posted by Stupid ain't cheep
I have a zz4 crate motor in my 74 and am looking for a temp sensor that will fit in the head and work with the factor gauge. I have a sensor in one of the ports on the intake for the fitech and the other port is unusable due to clearance with the radiator hose and filler neck. Has anyone found a sensor with the smaller thread size that will work?
Last edited by carriljc; Jul 22, 2022 at 01:30 PM.
Reason: changed "filler neck" to "thermostat housing"
I wouldn't be comfortable doing it with the motor in the car but that would be the best solution. Now you have me thinking about reasons to yank it and upgrade it!😁
Swapping a thermostat housing? I don't understand? If you're willing to yank the engine what would be the problem with swapping out a thermostat housing?
Originally Posted by Stupid ain't cheep
I wouldn't be comfortable doing it with the motor in the car but that would be the best solution. Now you have me thinking about reasons to yank it and upgrade it!😁
I have not been able to find an adapter. The only one I have found is 3/8 to 5/8. Also I am planning to put headers on and am thinking there might be issues with the sender sticking out the side that much further.
I have not been able to find an adapter. The only one I have found is 3/8 to 5/8. Also I am planning to put headers on and am thinking there might be issues with the sender sticking out the side that much further.
Swapping a thermostat housing? I don't understand? If you're willing to yank the engine what would be the problem with swapping out a thermostat housing?
Im not pulling the motor. I have not seen a thermostat housing that will clear the space I need that will also route the hose well. I am going to have a machine shop turn one down.
Temp sensor for zz4
