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Temperature Sending Unit problem

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:10
by RedRaven
Guys might sound like a silly one but what is the technical name for the cable that runs from the bulkhead to the unit...its has a head on it like the ones used on spark plugs.

I might need to order a new unit + the cable.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:21
by Eddie
Temperature Sending Unit+Wire and Connector. On a Big Block Wayne it should be mounted in the water pump housing. Is this what you are describing Bro? I'm sure Dave will have a pic. Single wire to the sensor, it grounds itself to the housing.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:27
by RedRaven
Yes Eddie.

I noticed that the temp gauge on my dash stopped working so I havent driven the car since just to be on the safe side as I dont know what the temp is.

I noticed the cable has worn somewhat, I popped it off and the head section(like the spark plug lead head) and it was only on by a couple of strands and it came off in my hand then. I have stripped the head and Im trying to remarry the cable and the wrap it it insulating cable just to see if it works..if no then I need a new unit also.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:29
by Eddie
I,m pretty sure they are available from re-production sources, simple thermistor. It's nice to see the temp.! :lol:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:37
by Eddie
Year One has the temp sending unit but I couldnt find the wiring. It would be very easy to make a bit of 14 ga. wiring in the right colour as yours and add the connecor you already have.. You could even add the special cloth braid cover over it and buy a new sensor for 15.00 bucks or so. I bet Dave would even fab a new 'OEM" piece up for you! :lol:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 14:43
by RedRaven
But you know the plug head the cable is wired right into it, so I would need that exact piece.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 15:28
by drewcrane
RedRaven wrote:But you know the plug head the cable is wired right into it, so I would need that exact piece.


yea you can order that, or you can crimp on an eyelet for temporary use ,till you get the correct plug that goes on the end of the sending unit.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 15:31
by RedRaven
Hey Craner whats happening dude.........BTW whats an eyelet haha.

So just somehow wrap the cable around the end of the unit and away ya go?

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 16:20
by dave-r
Wayne. The top of the temp sender is threaded. All you need to do is crimp an eylet on the end of the wire and find a nut and washer to fit on the sender.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 16:37
by RedRaven
So the idea is to pinch the eyelet to the threaded head with a washer and a nut??

Ah like an eyelet on the starter motor right?

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 16:46
by RedRaven
You guys are the mutz nutz.......the poodles privates...

....THE DOGS BOLLOCKS........

Dave will translate for ya haha............

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 17:06
by Eddie
I know exactly what he;s saying. I have dogs balls! :s009:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 17:31
by drewcrane
RedRaven wrote:So the idea is to pinch the eyelet to the threaded head with a washer and a nut??

Ah like an eyelet on the starter motor right?


yes sir ,your picking up what im puttin down there laddie,so have a crack at it and see what happens :wink2:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 19:24
by dave-r
Hopefully you can do a better job than I made of mine the last time. Due to me running out of the usual kind of eyelet with the insulated sleeve.

If you can't find a nut and washer to fit I will send you one back with your USB stick.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 19:49
by RedRaven
Well I did get it sort of kinda...I managed to get an eyelet and a washer.....the prob is on a 383 its mounted on the side not on top of the block. Its also position behind the bracket that holds the alt...its a fucker to get at it, so I will have to take that bracket off.

The unit has some paint and grime etc so the bolt will need some stick.

It started to piss rain then.. :roll:

Back at it tomorrow....

Wonder it I will encounter any probs tomorrow....with the bracket ie remounting correctly or does it have to be at any tyoe of angle ya know.

Nice job on that btw Dave...

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 19:56
by dave-r
My water pump housing is not the stock one hence the odd position of the temp sender.

Think I will re-do that crimp connector when I get a chance.... :lol:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 19:58
by dave-r
Has the bracket not got a large hole in it for access to the sender? It should have. If not you have the wrong bracket fitted.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 20:07
by RedRaven
No Dave its a plate bracket no access. It has to come off. :s001:

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 21:14
by dave-r
Wrong bracket then. It should look like this. Note the large hole in the middle for access to the temp sender.

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 21:58
by RedRaven
yep I should have that one.......I should look for one on ebay eh?

PostPosted: 04 Apr 2010 23:39
by Jon
Never easy huh, seems one problem leads to another. :roll: You'll get it though. :)

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 3:25
by drewcrane
it is hard to get to especially trying to get an eyelet on it,383s are in a different position,you will need a thin wrench,or yes remove the bracket,

yea alot of time for a small part :s007:

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 8:14
by dave-r
RedRaven wrote:yep I should have that one.......I should look for one on ebay eh?


You should have one like that diagram if your car didn't come with AC and I don't think your car did?

If it did come with AC it will look like Drew's.

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 12:15
by RedRaven
airfuelEddie wrote:Year One has the temp sending unit but I couldnt find the wiring. It would be very easy to make a bit of 14 ga. wiring in the right colour as yours and add the connecor you already have.. You could even add the special cloth braid cover over it and buy a new sensor for 15.00 bucks or so. I bet Dave would even fab a new 'OEM" piece up for you! :lol:


Does 14ga. mean gauge?

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 13:34
by Eddie
Yes Wayne.

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 13:37
by RedRaven
Just had a thought, would the problem be at Daves old favorite suspect...

The bulkhead connector???

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 15:18
by drewcrane
RedRaven wrote:Just had a thought, would the problem be at Daves old favorite suspect...

The bulkhead connector???


maybe ,but you need to eliminate the wire problem, put in a good new section of wire and try it , the if it fixes it great, if not we will help you check the gauge next, but do the wire first!

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 18:44
by RedRaven
Ok I managed to find a nut to go on the thread.

I took off the bracket for access.
That was a fucker to put back BTW, but got it.

No joy. but it ran a bit better after funny enough..must be the alt belt??

BTW how tight should that belt be??

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 20:13
by dave-r
RedRaven wrote:BTW how tight should that belt be??


With about 5lbs of pressure from your fingers you should be able to deflect the belt at a mid-point about a half inch.

Look at the Workshop Manual! :lol:

PostPosted: 05 Apr 2010 20:40
by RedRaven
ok thanks Dave...

I will need to tighten that...

Id be lost without you guys......