water temperature sending unit
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Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
water temperature sending unit
I own a 74 coupe, 350 L48 with 4 speed. We just swapped out the old 350 for a Summit 350/290hp engine but we are having issues locating a water temperature sending unit that will work with the original gauge. The original sending unit was 1/2" pipe thread, the new block is 3/8". I have yet to find a compatible sensor..Ideas? Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 1,642
From: Fairfax Virginia
I used a thermostat housing that had the 1/2" hole already in it. Here is the type of part I used initially and it worked great. This one is on the JEGS website.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman-Produc...-2009/10002/-1
Is this what you are looking for by any chance? It would allow you to use the sensor that came with your Corvette.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman-Produc...-2009/10002/-1
Is this what you are looking for by any chance? It would allow you to use the sensor that came with your Corvette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I was lucky and caught that size difference in the cyl head BEFORE I put the heads on.
Not so lucky for you, however.
I did not want to give up my tried & true GM sensor. Nor buy an aftermarket unit and calibrate, and hope it is accurate.
So, a local machine shop drilled & tapped the head for $30. Perfect!
Is that an option for you?
Not so lucky for you, however.
I did not want to give up my tried & true GM sensor. Nor buy an aftermarket unit and calibrate, and hope it is accurate.
So, a local machine shop drilled & tapped the head for $30. Perfect!
Is that an option for you?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
I used a thermostat housing that had the 1/2" hole already in it. Here is the type of part I used initially and it worked great. This one is on the JEGS website.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman-Produc...-2009/10002/-1
Is this what you are looking for by any chance? It would allow you to use the sensor that came with your Corvette.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman-Produc...-2009/10002/-1
Is this what you are looking for by any chance? It would allow you to use the sensor that came with your Corvette.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
I was lucky and caught that size difference in the cyl head BEFORE I put the heads on.
Not so lucky for you, however.
I did not want to give up my tried & true GM sensor. Nor buy an aftermarket unit and calibrate, and hope it is accurate.
So, a local machine shop drilled & tapped the head for $30. Perfect!
Is that an option for you?
Not so lucky for you, however.
I did not want to give up my tried & true GM sensor. Nor buy an aftermarket unit and calibrate, and hope it is accurate.
So, a local machine shop drilled & tapped the head for $30. Perfect!
Is that an option for you?
