Tapping the brass block plugs for temp sensor
10-30-2008, 12:53 PM
#1
Tapping the brass block plugs for temp sensor Who has tapped the threaded allen head block plugs for a temp sensor?
I need to mount a temp switch for the fan, in addition to the computer and gauge sensors in the heads.
I dont have an allen head wrench big enough to remove it, so I was just going to drill and tap it on the block.
Is it thick enough in the center to get a good 3/8" NPT tread in it?
Gary
I need to mount a temp switch for the fan, in addition to the computer and gauge sensors in the heads.
I dont have an allen head wrench big enough to remove it, so I was just going to drill and tap it on the block.
Is it thick enough in the center to get a good 3/8" NPT tread in it?
Gary
10-30-2008, 01:28 PM
#2
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Yes you can tap it,I have done the same on Hi pressure hydraulic system's (300 psi) with no problems. I would remove it to keep the chips out of the coolant system/water pump.
10-30-2008, 03:37 PM
#3
Take a bolt with the proper sized head and use that as an allen wrench. I welded a nut on the other end to get a socket on it, but you could just as easily put two jam nuts or vice grip on there. I wouldn't try working it on the block. You may not have enough depth for the tap.
Here is a picture of mine adapted to a Datsun sensor. I soldered the three left most pieces together so it doesn't leak and goes back in with a standard wrench. If I remember correctly, I tapped it with a 1/2 NPT, then used the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter (second from left). I think I had to do it that way because the bolt head was bigger than a 3/8 tap.
Here is a picture of mine adapted to a Datsun sensor. I soldered the three left most pieces together so it doesn't leak and goes back in with a standard wrench. If I remember correctly, I tapped it with a 1/2 NPT, then used the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter (second from left). I think I had to do it that way because the bolt head was bigger than a 3/8 tap.
10-30-2008, 05:18 PM
#4
An upside down bolt...........
Genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't want to spend $100 on a wrench set I would only use once.
Genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't want to spend $100 on a wrench set I would only use once.
Take a bolt with the proper sized head and use that as an allen wrench. I welded a nut on the other end to get a socket on it, but you could just as easily put two jam nuts or vice grip on there. I wouldn't try working it on the block. You may not have enough depth for the tap.
Here is a picture of mine adapted to a Datsun sensor. I soldered the three left most pieces together so it doesn't leak and goes back in with a standard wrench. If I remember correctly, I tapped it with a 1/2 NPT, then used the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter (second from left). I think I had to do it that way because the bolt head was bigger than a 3/8 tap.
Here is a picture of mine adapted to a Datsun sensor. I soldered the three left most pieces together so it doesn't leak and goes back in with a standard wrench. If I remember correctly, I tapped it with a 1/2 NPT, then used the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter (second from left). I think I had to do it that way because the bolt head was bigger than a 3/8 tap.
10-30-2008, 11:51 PM
#6
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On the passenger side of the block, the even side if you please, just in front of the crank sensor is a smaller plug that also goes to a water jacket. I, well kinda forced my temp switch sender into that one. It felt pretty tight going in but with a little pipe thread compound I've had no issues with leaks, and it and the fan works great.
10-31-2008, 02:07 AM
#7
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Why go through all the trouble!! The passenger side rear already has what you need. You don't even have to rethread anything...VDO makes a metric temp sensor costs all of $10. Save yourself tons of headache
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10-31-2008, 08:44 AM
#10
If anybody knows of a source for fan on-off temp switches that fit in the stock heads, I would like to know about them. Painless offers a relay kit that includes a metric switch, but they don't sell just the switch. At least I couldn't find it anywhere. somthing that comes on around 200° or more to trigger the high speed fan would be perfect.
I have read a number of posts that say to lathe down and rethread a 3/8 NPT switch, but don't feel like buying a die for this one time thing.
I have read a number of posts that say to lathe down and rethread a 3/8 NPT switch, but don't feel like buying a die for this one time thing.
10-31-2008, 12:12 PM
#12
Yeah, I realize that, but I'm not sure where the setpoints are or if it's even functional in my reprogrammed computer.
So I figured I already had the temp switch, the engine is out, and plug accessable. Better to tap it now if I need it later.
So I figured I already had the temp switch, the engine is out, and plug accessable. Better to tap it now if I need it later.
