T-fitting for coolant sending unit

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Apr 12, 2005 | 02:04 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

T-fitting for coolant sending unit

I have an aftermarket water temperature gauge that I am trying to install. However, I can't disconnect and remove the original water temp sending unit for the gauge because the computer needs to see the temp...so I assume I'd be using a T-fitting but I don't know if I can find one that would work...what do you guys do to hook it up right?

Apr 12, 2005 | 02:40 PM

Roushians

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From: Toronto, ON

Hey, I finished installing my mechanical oil pressure gauge just last night, and even though the stock oil pressure switch doesn't connect to the ECM at all, I decided to get a T fitting to connect both up. I suppose it would be the same, but I'm not sure. The fittings for the stock oil pressure switch and fitting in the block is standard 1/2 inch stuff, and my new oil pressure gauge is all 1/4 inch fitting stuff (but came with a 1/2 inch adaptor).
I found tons and tons of different fittings this size at my local PartSource store, I assume I'd find the same at other hardware/auto stores too. We don't have Autozone/Pep Boys/NAPA (good NAPA's) up here, but I imagine they must have this stuff.
I took lots of pics of this install, I should be uploading them as some point soon

Apr 12, 2005 | 03:52 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

You can't tee a water temp gauge. You need a coolant flow past the sensor to get an accurate reading. With a tee, the coolant will get trapped and you'll have an inaccurate reading.

However, the computer uses a different sensor than the gauge. The ECT is on the thermostat elbow on the front of the engine. The one for the gauge is on a different place on the block - I could tell you where it is on a 300, but not a Windsor.

Apr 12, 2005 | 05:01 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

I know the sending unit for the gauge is on the top of the intake manifold to the right of the distributor (when looking from front)...I don't see where a second ECT sensor would be on the thermostat elbow....

Apr 12, 2005 | 05:04 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

The gauge sender (one wire) is just behind and to the right of the distributor when looking at the front of the engine. The computer sensor is to the left of the distributor with two wires.

Apr 12, 2005 | 05:25 PM

gwuister

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From: Pedley

Hi, I'm looking at doing the same thing to my 88 F150. I have a 5.0 motor and the thermostat housing has a threaded plug on the top with what looks like the same thead as the sending unit. Would that work or would the thermostat be in the way?
-Greg

Apr 12, 2005 | 05:50 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

Ok, so the hole on the right is for my coolant temp gauge, the hole on the left is for the ECT sensor, and I can replace the coolant temp gauge sender w/ the new gauge's sender, and the computer will still see the engine temp from that ECT..ok..i guess that solves my problem.