6.9 Temp Sensor
 

I searched around a bit but couldnt find a straight answer

My temp gauge only reads about 1/8 of the time. I'm guessing my temp sensor is bad or a have a bad connection somewhere.

Just need to know where the sensor is so i can start fiddling with it

Thanks

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=124480&.jpg

Front of drivers side head.

The engine was removed so the AC compressor is not on the engine in the picture.

Thats just what i was lookin for, thanks man

Dave I am not sure how many times I have seen you post that picture.....super nice of you!

Much easier that trying to explain, and I get to show off the engine a bit.:-X04

if i were to put a aftermarket temp guage in my 6.9, could i remove the engine temp light and still have a working factory temp guage??

You could but you wouldn't have the light. There is the same hole in the other head at the back with a bung in it you could use or I used one in the side of the block near the oil cooler.
Dave, why is your engine painted holden red instead of ford blue?

The gauge and light are independant of each other on 6.9 era trucks.

I just wanted to be different, that is actually Ford red and silver high temp paint.

Here it is right before I installed it after the rebuild.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=123443&.jpg

Dave I gotta hand it to ya, that is one fantastic looking diesel :D Looks so cool painted Red!

What He said! Looks Great!

what is considered the max operating temp?? or overheating temp??

Loaded most guys say 230F is tops. The dummy light comes on ~242F if I remember correct.

Now that I have a fully functional cooling system my temps dont go over 190F unless I am loaded or going up a big hill or mountain!

Thad

With the mechanical temp sensor in the head I see temps up to 235 degrees during normal operating conditions.

As soon as I am not pulling a hill, drops right back to 195 degrees.

Hey Dave. I've been searching for some answers and I think you might be my holy grail. I just bought an 87 f250 with a 6.9. The engine is not overheating, but the temp gauge is pinged at its hottest point. I know its not overheating because it does this right as the engine is started and doesnt change at all. Also, I just replaced the water pump and stat and hoses and flushed the radiator..

I replaced the sensor on the left of your infamous picture of the two sending units, and it's still doing the same thing. Do you think I have a short in the wire or is there some magical crazy thing that I am missing? This truck drives like a dream and although i am 100% positive that it isnt overheating, I am still apprehensive about going anywhere until I can get this sorted out.

I've been coming here for a while checking out little tidbits of info over the years, and the knowledge here is completely insane. I love it!

What does it do when you unplug it, is sounds like you have a grounded wire or a bad ground in the dash can cause it too.