Sensor Question
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Sensor Question
When I changed out my thermostat the other day, I accidentally hit and knocked out some sort of sensor just above the water outlet, going into the intake manifold. It was all corroded and wasn't in very tight. Which sensor is this? I assumed it is either the coolant temperature sensor or the temperature sender. It has two little wires coming out the end of it. I noticed that my temperature gauge also never goes up really. It always stays on the cold side. Which sensor is this?
Also, when I changed out my thermostat, I put in a 180 degree. Was this a mistake? I know 160 degrees are too low, but I figured 180 might make it run a little cooler without causing much other differences. Is 180 fine, or is 195 the only one that should be used?
Thanks.
Also, when I changed out my thermostat, I put in a 180 degree. Was this a mistake? I know 160 degrees are too low, but I figured 180 might make it run a little cooler without causing much other differences. Is 180 fine, or is 195 the only one that should be used?
Thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
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From: BC, Canada
The thermostat should be 192 degrees. The sensor with two wires is for the computer. The single wire sensor is for the gauge. You can test the gauge's sensor with an ohm meter, 22 ohm when hot and 1500 ohm when cold. To test the gauge, connect the single wire to ground (don't leave it grounded for long), if it reads hot, the gauge and wiring is good.
...Terry '90 F150 302
...Terry '90 F150 302
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
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From: BC, Canada
Like you, I placed the 180 degree in mine, but later changed it out to the 192 degree one. I would advise changing yours to the 192. The truck never reached proper operating temperature with the colder thermostat.
The sensor is called 'Coolant temperature sending unit'. It costs about $6.
...Terry
The sensor is called 'Coolant temperature sending unit'. It costs about $6.
...Terry
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
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From: BC, Canada
Sorry, the sensor for the gauge (single wire) is the 'coolant temperature sending unit',
the sensor for the computer (two wires) is called 'engine coolant temperature sensor'.
To test the two wire, I used an ohm meter, cold 40,500 to 58,7550 ohms and when hot it should be 3,600 to 1,840 ohms.
...terry
the sensor for the computer (two wires) is called 'engine coolant temperature sensor'.
To test the two wire, I used an ohm meter, cold 40,500 to 58,7550 ohms and when hot it should be 3,600 to 1,840 ohms.
...terry
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I thought it was the coolant temperature as well. I work at a parts store, and last night at work I checked out the coolant temperature sensor we had there and it didn't look the same. Instead of having two wires extending from it, it only had a metal tip. I wasn't sure if I had the wrong sensor, or they just changed the design...
The temperature sending unit we had looked like this as well, only a thick metal tip, no wires.
The temperature sending unit we had looked like this as well, only a thick metal tip, no wires.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
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From: BC, Canada
When I say one wire or two wires, I mean the number of wires in the connector. There are no wires extending from the sensors. I can say for sure the single one is like you describe, it has a metal tip for the wire connector.
...Terry
...Terry
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Ok, I meant on the other side, not the connection. The sensor I knocked out had two wires sticking out maybe an inch or so. It was just above the water outlet and a little to the left. I saw no threads to screw it into, only corrosion dust, and my dad ended up using some sort of adhesive to stick it back in before I could snap a pic of it.
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Okay, I looked into it some more, and I'm pretty positive it's the coolant temperature sensor. My question is, why is it a different style then what the parts store has? The one I have has two small wires sticking into the manifold, and have small little bubble sensors on the end. The one at the parts store has a solid metal piece that goes into the manifold. Anyone ever have one like this?
Anyways, since I have been driving the truck, it has had a 180 degree thermostat in it. The water temp gauge never moves though. I'm not sure if it is a sending unit problem, or if the thermostat doesn't let it heat up completely. It is usualy well into the 90's through the day here, and I wouldn't think the 180 would keep it all the way down on the gauge, but I may be wrong. Opinions?
Anyways, since I have been driving the truck, it has had a 180 degree thermostat in it. The water temp gauge never moves though. I'm not sure if it is a sending unit problem, or if the thermostat doesn't let it heat up completely. It is usualy well into the 90's through the day here, and I wouldn't think the 180 would keep it all the way down on the gauge, but I may be wrong. Opinions?