Temp sensor terminal WTF?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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Temp sensor terminal WTF?
Replacing the coolant temp sensor in my '73 F100 (360). Old sensor has a single spade connector, new sensor has a ribbed (not threaded) post. I thought it was threaded at first, 40 thread per inch, but 8-32 thread diameter, but upon closer inspection, the post is NOT threaded.
I know there's a push type connector that simply snaps down over the post, but I don't know the correct name for that connector and can't find them.
Help?
-MK
I know there's a push type connector that simply snaps down over the post, but I don't know the correct name for that connector and can't find them.
Help?
-MK
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 141
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It's a motorcraft part I purchased from Mac's Antique Auto that I verified with a post from user NumberDummy. P/N: SW-2328. It's the same part number used for the majority of ford truck and car aplications from 70-97 according to him. It's also the correct one listed for my model according to Mac's. Pretty sure it's the right part, just not sure how to attach the lead correctly. My current one reads, but not correctly so I'm thinking I have the wrong part in there now, and that the PO changed the original connector out.
-MK
p.s. looks like this:
-MK
p.s. looks like this:
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 181
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My 73 F100 360 has the exact sending unit as pic,
with the snap on connector.
I put a new one in but finally opted for a
AZ mechanical guage that is probably more accurate
than the stock guage.
It tells you the temp with a numerical reading
in degrees which is more helpful than just the needle.
Wasn't hard to install. Looks cool too.
with the snap on connector.
I put a new one in but finally opted for a
AZ mechanical guage that is probably more accurate
than the stock guage.
It tells you the temp with a numerical reading
in degrees which is more helpful than just the needle.
Wasn't hard to install. Looks cool too.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The wiring that goes to the sending unit should be a push-on boot, just like the boot that pushes on to the 'S' post of the starter solenoid (different size though). If that's not the case, then your wiring has been modified. Some aftermarket sending units have a spade-style terminal, and the wiring may have been modified to make it fit.
If the sending unit is a push-on style, you'll need to replace the boot. If it's threaded (which can also accept the boot), you also have the option of using a ring terminal and nut.
If the sending unit is a push-on style, you'll need to replace the boot. If it's threaded (which can also accept the boot), you also have the option of using a ring terminal and nut.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
N A P A ,Schucks, Pep-Boys, just to name a few,just about any auto parts supplier. Just walk in to the store and go back to the electrical parts area or show them that picture of it. It's really not that hard to do.
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Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Actually, they "can" be hard to find. Try Radio Shack. I work on a lot of vehicles and keep old wiring harnesses for times like this.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Huh,must be a local thing,i just picked up a couple last march for my ford falcon. That kind of connector is used a lot in it,some angle some are straight. My old 56 fairlane has them too. Maybe I should stock up on a few of them in case they drop them off of there shelves here.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Know what you mean. My old Bronco's and my son's Mustang have quite a few. Around here, NAPA is about my best bet for anything electrical. Off Topic: Looking for a 56 Fairlane 2 dr hardtop. Scarce as hen teeth around here. Had one stolen many, many years ago and still looking for a replacement.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Know what you mean. My old Bronco's and my son's Mustang have quite a few. Around here, NAPA is about my best bet for anything electrical. Off Topic: Looking for a 56 Fairlane 2 dr hardtop. Scarce as hen teeth around here. Had one stolen many, many years ago and still looking for a replacement.
....JIM
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
This is what the factory engine wiring harness looks like, this one is for my project, also a '73 F100 with and FE. The yellow boot connector is for the coil, the black angled connector with the red/white wire is for the temp. sender.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
There are two wire boots commonly used in Ford wiring harnesses - a smaller style for sending units, and a larger one for the starter solenoid. I've seen the smaller one for sale on a Mustang website somewhere, but I wasn't able to find it just now using a Google search. I believe Napa carries it, if I remember correctly - but you won't find it in the electrical aisle.
As far as I know, the large one isn't reproduced - last time I was at the pick and pull, I stocked up on several of them (not the one you're looking for though).
EDIT: Here's the link I was remembering. It's for a 5/32" stud, you'll want to make sure that it will fit the sending unit you're looking at:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...-Wire-Terminal
As far as I know, the large one isn't reproduced - last time I was at the pick and pull, I stocked up on several of them (not the one you're looking for though).
EDIT: Here's the link I was remembering. It's for a 5/32" stud, you'll want to make sure that it will fit the sending unit you're looking at:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...-Wire-Terminal
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
There are two wire boots commonly used in Ford wiring harnesses - a smaller style for sending units, and a larger one for the starter solenoid. I've seen the smaller one for sale on a Mustang website somewhere, but I wasn't able to find it just now using a Google search. I believe Napa carries it, if I remember correctly - but you won't find it in the electrical aisle.
As far as I know, the large one isn't reproduced - last time I was at the pick and pull, I stocked up on several of them (not the one you're looking for though).
EDIT: Here's the link I was remembering. It's for a 5/32" stud, you'll want to make sure that it will fit the sending unit you're looking at:
1979-95 Mustang Sending Unit Wire Terminal with 90 Degree Boot at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
As far as I know, the large one isn't reproduced - last time I was at the pick and pull, I stocked up on several of them (not the one you're looking for though).
EDIT: Here's the link I was remembering. It's for a 5/32" stud, you'll want to make sure that it will fit the sending unit you're looking at:
1979-95 Mustang Sending Unit Wire Terminal with 90 Degree Boot at LRS - Same Day Shipping!