No coolant under ECT Sensor - All black??
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No coolant under ECT Sensor - All black??
Hi guys, thanks for the help!
I replaced the ECT on my 1988 F-150 351W today, and the old sensor was totally covered in a black slime-like material, and there was no coolant in the hole where it screws into the manifold!? Strange. Anyway, just wondered if anyone could shed any light on this?
The coolant in the radiator looks perfect, no discoloration or anything. I am not losing coolant anyplace. It runs pretty well too.
Thanks again!
I replaced the ECT on my 1988 F-150 351W today, and the old sensor was totally covered in a black slime-like material, and there was no coolant in the hole where it screws into the manifold!? Strange. Anyway, just wondered if anyone could shed any light on this?
The coolant in the radiator looks perfect, no discoloration or anything. I am not losing coolant anyplace. It runs pretty well too.
Thanks again!
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
If the ECT is not coming in contact with engine coolant then I would suspect that it is not transmitting an accurate coolant temperature to the ECM. Even though the engine seems to run fine it could be sensing colder than normal coolant which could cause the ECM to profile the injectors for a richer injection equivalent to the old choke function of the carburetor. Slime on the sensor is indicative of a previously dirty cooling system and probably a blocked passage. Did this engine ever have a head gasket problem, cracked head, etc?
John
John
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No head problems, to the best of my knowledge. I've owned it the last 9 years, and put half it's total mileage on it, so I doubt it.
If it is a clogged passage, is there any easy way to correct that? I flush the coolant system about every 3 years or so.
If it is a clogged passage, is there any easy way to correct that? I flush the coolant system about every 3 years or so.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Unless there is a leak somewhere in the cooling system to allow air to be sucked back in when the system is cooling down a cooling system should be filled to capacity and no air space anywhere except in the recovery tank or in the radiator expansion area of older vehicles than yours. Yours is a closed system with the recovery tank and radiator cap. When the system is cool and you open the radiator cap is coolant all the way to the top? If not and the coolant recovery tank contains coolant then there is a leak or the cap is faulty since coolant should be drawn out of the recovery tank to maintain a full system. That is the design of the closed recovery system.
John
John
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Post Fiend
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Then I would suspect a loose hose. One that allows a little air when it's cold but tightens up when it's warm. ??
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Do you have access to a coolant pressure testing system when it is cold? If so then I would use it to pressure test the system as well as the cap. Ultramagdan makes a good point about the possibility of the expansion characteristics of hoses when hot as opposed to cold. Again, there should be no air space in the closed cooling system except in the recovery tank assuming it isn't empty.
John
John
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Thanks everyone for the responses. The coolant is about an inch below the seat of the radiator cap when cold. Coolant level in the overflow does change as the temperature of the engine changes. Maybe I'll pull the ECT out again, and start it up for a second and see if coolant shows up or not.
Thanks for all the advice. I just discovered a very small collant leak on my heater hose today. It's only about two little drips every minute, but nevertheless, a leak.
I'll let ya know if coolant comes out when the engine is running.
Thanks for all the advice. I just discovered a very small collant leak on my heater hose today. It's only about two little drips every minute, but nevertheless, a leak.
I'll let ya know if coolant comes out when the engine is running.
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