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I wouldn't change it unless you are experiencing a problem. If I have to change mine it will be a Ford/Motorcraft item. I've changed 2 waterpumps on my truck and have over 160k miles on the OEM sensor.
No. Don't waste your money. If the gauge in the instrument cluster is working, then the sending unit is fine. The coolant temperature sensor serves no function at all for engine control in a truck like yours.
Thanks. I can't believe I got 166k miles out of the stock water pump, belt, hoses and ECT sensor.
So I just pull the sensor and clean the treads and re-apply a clean coat of TFE paste to the ECT before installing on the new pump? The pump bolt threads don't need it right?
Do I put the NAPA Sil Glyde on the whole WP oring gasket, or just in parts to hold it?
Paste type sealant is good on the sensor, since the threads need a good ground. I use a little ani-seize, or the thread selant,on the bolt threads also. It makes them easier to remove the next time they need to be removed. I put a thin coat of Sil-Glyde on the entire gasket and a few larger dabs to hold it in place. I may not be necessary, but the last gasket got pretty stiff and leaked after 50k miles. I put the S-G on the gasket for good measure.
The dealer replaced mine along with the 'stat when I bought my truck from them (it had 60k on it). I still don't know why they did both -- shotgunned parts?? The temp sensor barely moved and it took FOREVER to the heat to start working. Maybe both were bad??