Temp Sensor Location Options
#1
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#2
8 Second Club
iTrader: (40)
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Raleigh,North Carolina
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#3
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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?
#4
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (12)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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 ?
#5
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rutland, MA
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#6
12 Second Club
iTrader: (39)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: surry, va
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#7
Trending Topics
#10
Launching!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Potomac, MD
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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)
#11
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central AR
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#13
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (12)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.