Low coolant level sensor radiator plug
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
Low coolant level sensor radiator plug
Hey all, I have an 85 manual and I just replaced my radiator with a champion 2 row all aluminum radiator. Everything went fine except the new radiator has a hole for a low coolant level sensor which was not introduced until 86. My old aftermarket plastic tank radiator had this hole as well but it had a blank plug. The blank plug is not quite the right shape for the champion radiator. Anyway, I just wanted to ask the community if anyone had come across this to see what they have done. Worst case scenario is I order the actual sensor for 40 bucks and don’t hook it up to anything.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,373
Likes: 2,734
If Champion is correct for OEM probe there's certainly less than 40$ options out there. Maybe someone will donate a suitable used one or generally there's OEM for 20$ or less on eBay. Search 10054615 on eBay for some pricing options. There still seems to be after-market equivalents available too.
Why do you feel yours isn't correct?
Why do you feel yours isn't correct?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 3,062
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
A few swipes with a file on the face of the radiator nipple should allow the ears to clip over the ring. Would be easier than working the plug itself with a blade.
I'd probably put a tie wrap around the ears to hold them together, gripping the ring. Cheers.
I'd probably put a tie wrap around the ears to hold them together, gripping the ring. Cheers.
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