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Old Oct 26, 2018 | 03:54 PM
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Coolant Temperature Sensor

I have a 1996 Ford F350 XL 2WD with a 7.3L Turbodiesel in it..where is the Coolant Temperature Sensor located? I replaced the sensor next to the thermostat but I do not think that was the right sensor. Thanks in advance!
 
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Old Oct 26, 2018 | 06:14 PM
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I don't know anything about this picture but it looked like it might help. You decide.

Not too sure about the belt installation either.

 
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Old Oct 26, 2018 | 10:26 PM
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Back of HPOP reservoir is the oil temp sensor from what I recall.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 10:22 AM
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Gents,

Thanks! I replaced the sensor labled "for gauge" in the picture and my gauge still barely moves after its been running for 20 minutes. I will put a multi-meter on the connector and see if that is the issue. Is the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor separate from this photo or are they one in the same? Just wanted to make sure the engine did not have two sensors. Thanks again!
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 11:26 AM
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Three that I know of:

Overheat Warning Switch - for light
Coolant Temperature Sender - for gauge
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor (EOT) - for computer input

You haven't really said what you are trying to do so I'm just guessing what to tell you.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 11:30 AM
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Wait, so what exactly is going on with your rig? What is your location? 20min of idling only, do not expect much if any heat build up.

It takes a bunch of driving to get mine hot and temps have been mild lately...I also use the 203F stat as I do not tow past 10000lbs like some guys here. I use mine mainly for construction and occasional car towing. If you tow all the time and heavy, they recommend sticking with the 180F unit.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 02:02 PM
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Gents,

The issue is that the coolant temperature gauge does not reach normal operating temperature. I have ran the truck at a speed between 30-50mph for over 30 minutes and the needle on the gauge barely enters the "normal" range. I have experience with big rigs, but admittedly am a novice with the 7.3L. To me, that is not normal. I replaced the coolant temperature sensor next to the thermostat labeled "for gauge" in the picture, but it seems to have had no effect. I will put a multi-meter to test the connection when this Nor-Easter stops. But if the truck is behaving normally, please let me know. Thank you.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 02:49 PM
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Actually, the water sensors seldom fail. Have you thought of replacing the thermostat? Also don't know where you are located, warm climate or very cold climate areas as it makes a difference. With a working thermostat you should see temps about in the middle of the gauge after a 30 minute run or so, hard run, but not just idling.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 02:56 PM
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No I have not tried replacing the thermostat yet, but that is a good idea. The truck has been sitting for a while so it is possible that the thermostat is no good anymore. Thanks!
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 05:57 PM
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If you open that thermostat area, I HIGHLY recommend that reinforcing neck for the assembly.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2018 | 06:31 PM
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What you described actually sounds normal. Mine sits right between N and O
 
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Old Oct 29, 2018 | 08:35 AM
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mine does not move much either but it did move a lot when it over heated last year
 
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 03:40 PM
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My dash temperature gauge takes a while to get to the N in NORMAL and does not move much more than that. It usually resides between the N and O and has been doing that since I got my '96 F250 22 years ago. It's just one of those characteristics that many OBS trucks seem to have.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 08:46 PM
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If you gauges aren’t going up then you have a bad thermostat.
I have the 203*and mine sits at the M
 
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 10:26 PM
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I drive 30 to 50 MPH to work. takes about 15 to 20 min. it does not leave the cold mark. It sounds like yours is normal to me.
 
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