Temp Sensor Location Options
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Temp Sensor Location Options I'm trying to install a mechanical temp sensor on my 5.3 conversion into a 59 Chevy truck. I'm assuming the stock computer needs to see the coolant temp sensor on the drivers side front of the head. Are there any other places to install a sensor? There is a round plug on the pass. side on the back of the head. Not sure if it's an option.
Yes, you can pull the plug and put it on the passenger side. BUT be prepared to either modify a stock sending unit, or use adapters to get it to work.
I used an Autometer mechanical temp last summer, and it was a pain in the *** and didn't work too well.
The Autometer gauge used a 1/2" probe, the LS1 head uses a 12mm metric thread, I needed 4" worth of adapters and fittings to get it to work, it left the probe way too far from the water jacket, resulting in a way different reading than the PCM. Just so you know.
Now if you use a stock GM style electric sending unit, you can lathe it down to the proper thread.
I used an Autometer mechanical temp last summer, and it was a pain in the *** and didn't work too well.
The Autometer gauge used a 1/2" probe, the LS1 head uses a 12mm metric thread, I needed 4" worth of adapters and fittings to get it to work, it left the probe way too far from the water jacket, resulting in a way different reading than the PCM. Just so you know.
Now if you use a stock GM style electric sending unit, you can lathe it down to the proper thread.
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On The Tree
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I don't quite understand what you mean by using a stock sending unit? I bought a sunpro mechanical gauge. The best thing that could happen is to be able to use the 58 truck gauge. Is that possible?
One of the problems is trying to fit a 1/2" threaded sender into the 12mm head is room or clearance of using a 1/2" in the head, Header flange comes very close as may well be the water jacket. Many have drilled and tap to 1/4" or 3/8".. or have used adapter to use a 1/4" sender. I drilled and tapped mine for 3/8" and used autometer electrical sender/gauge.
Some (as veee8) has tried using the 1/2" threaded sender by using adapters. like pipe extensions or other rigged up way, but they end up sticking way out away from the engine and coolant flow. Not a very good idea or as Veee8 said, it doesn't work well.
Some have taken there 1/2" sender and turned it down to 12mm to fit.
Does Sunpro make a electrical gauge/sender to match what you already have ?
Some (as veee8) has tried using the 1/2" threaded sender by using adapters. like pipe extensions or other rigged up way, but they end up sticking way out away from the engine and coolant flow. Not a very good idea or as Veee8 said, it doesn't work well.
Some have taken there 1/2" sender and turned it down to 12mm to fit.
Does Sunpro make a electrical gauge/sender to match what you already have ?
you can run a 1/4" tap through the hole in the head without even drilling it. Several people, including myself have done it. Just put a little grease on the tap, go slow and it will be fine....no need for adapter.
another option is a fitting that summit sells.its made by flex-a-lite.p/n flx-32082 and 32084. its an inline hose adapter with a bung iin it for a sending unit. it comes with adapters. it rus inline with the radiator hose.
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On The Tree
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Launching!
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From: Potomac, MD
If you have a first design pump this is a good location. This is using a stock (c2)vette sender. Drill hole, tap w/ 1/2 inch NPT.(same size as heater hose return if you're going to remove pressed in nipples)
I just drilled and tapped my passenger head out to 3/8" NPT. Was stressful at first, but wound up going great. just use grease on the tip of your bit and tap to catch the shavings and you'll be fine.
I just took a drill bit with a lot of grease, a shop vacuum and just took too it in about 3 steps to make sure that I got all of the shavings out with the shop vacuum.
grease bit, Drill, vacuum for shavings, clean bit of shaving and start over.. 2 or 3 times. Pretty sure I got all of the shavings. Then just tap and screw in the sender.
grease bit, Drill, vacuum for shavings, clean bit of shaving and start over.. 2 or 3 times. Pretty sure I got all of the shavings. Then just tap and screw in the sender.
there aren't two. There is only one and the other is plugged. It is just that the heads are not bank specific so they are all drilled and tapped the same.
