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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Oil and Coolant Temp Sensor

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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 02:20 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by hharris8
I look at the Bussman add-a-fuse. How can I tell what side is the load side?
You need to probe the fusebox socket and find the side that *does NOT* have power, with the key in run.

Install the Add-a-fuse with the red wire coming out that side.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 02:31 PM
  #32  
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Does the red wire just crimp over the choke wire or is there something else I will need to get with it? Also, would my 86 be a ATM or ATO?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 02:35 PM
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Would I still use fuse #11 and just plug that fuse into the add a fuse as well or would that overload the circuit?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 04:06 PM
  #34  
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As Jim says, it matters a great deal. To find the powered side, pull the fuse and use a volt meter or test light. And an add-a-fuse is a good idea. The choke would probably be fine on a 5 amp fuse.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 06:03 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by hharris8
Does the red wire just crimp over the choke wire or is there something else I will need to get with it? Also, would my 86 be a ATM or ATO?
My '87 truck uses ATC/ATO style fuses.

You need to strip ~3/8" of insulation before you slip the wire in and crimp it.

If you install the add-a-fuse backward all the power will flow through the primary fuse first, and then back through your added fuse before entering the choke circuit.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 08:38 PM
  #36  
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Just thought I would post for anyone looking. This is the cheapest terminal for sending units I could find online and it has free shipping. https://lmr.com/item/HDW-10884/Musta...-Wire-Terminal
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 08:44 PM
  #37  
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Is that third wire for a two pronged oil or temp sensor? If it doesn't move the gauge when touching the block and the other ones do then I don't know if thats possible.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 08:45 PM
  #38  
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Also whats the difference between a temp sender and sensor and which do I have?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 10:41 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by hharris8
Is that third wire for a two pronged oil or temp sensor? If it doesn't move the gauge when touching the block and the other ones do then I don't know if thats possible.
Originally Posted by hharris8
Also whats the difference between a temp sender and sensor and which do I have?
I don't understand. A temp sender is the same as a sensor, but most are 1-wire units. The terminal connects to a resistor that changes due to oil pressure or coolant temp. High pressure or high temp is 10 ohms to ground and low temp/pressure is 72 ohms.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 07:40 AM
  #40  
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OK. Thanks. I was looking at a wiring diagram and one said sensor and the other sender and I was't sure if I didn't understand something.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 09:57 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by hharris8
Also whats the difference between a temp sender and sensor and which do I have?
Originally Posted by Gary Lewis
I don't understand. A temp sender is the same as a sensor,
Gary Gary Gary please be careful here...

There is no real consistency in the aftermarket concerning this stuff and the terminology but here is how I refer to things...

A sending unit (aka sender) is a one-wire device used by the dash gauges.

A sensor is a multi-wire device used by an onboard computer and has nothing to do with the dash gauges.
 
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