flathead 39
Member
Engine is 8ba in a 39 deluxe. I'm changing over to electronic gauges and need to change out the water temp sensor. Do I need to drain the radiator? Thanks.
Changeing water temp sensor question
- Thread starter flathead 39
- Start date
Flathead,
In my 37 when I changed to the electronic gauges, I drained the radiator otherwise you'll have antifreeze coming out once you remove the old sensor. I had just loosened the sensor and the antifreeze started leaking out. My upper hose runs to the center of the head with the temp sensor just next to that. Not sure of the arrangement on the 8ba.
How's the installation on the new gauges going?
John
John
In my 37 when I changed to the electronic gauges, I drained the radiator otherwise you'll have antifreeze coming out once you remove the old sensor. I had just loosened the sensor and the antifreeze started leaking out. My upper hose runs to the center of the head with the temp sensor just next to that. Not sure of the arrangement on the 8ba.
How's the installation on the new gauges going?
John
John
flathead 39
Member
Thanks for the info.. I was hoping not to have to drain it..
It's been a challenge but the only real problem was mounting the oil pressure gauge, photo to follow..
It's been a challenge but the only real problem was mounting the oil pressure gauge, photo to follow..
flathead 39
Member
...Except if you have a hand full of adapters for the new sensor and it will take 2 of them to fit and you wont have a clue as to which ones you need until you remove the old one. Yea I considered that option too...
flathead 39
Member
fortyonerag
Well-known member
I installed an aftermarket oil and temp gauge. What I found was the new temp sender unit was considerably smaller that the stock unit and after the adaptor around it, I'm not sure it even gets wet!
It will register only after the engine gets really warm - long after the stock guage is registering. I have checked the unit and it is working correctly, but I think the sensor is residing in an air bubble - its very short. I'm not running thermostats, so that might also be a factor.
I was thinking of mounting something on the electronic sensor to extend its reach, but I'm a bit leery that anything I fit onto it to extend its reach might fall into the water jacket.
It will register only after the engine gets really warm - long after the stock guage is registering. I have checked the unit and it is working correctly, but I think the sensor is residing in an air bubble - its very short. I'm not running thermostats, so that might also be a factor.
I was thinking of mounting something on the electronic sensor to extend its reach, but I'm a bit leery that anything I fit onto it to extend its reach might fall into the water jacket.
flathead 39
Member
Well, it shouldn't be long before I find out.?!
aussie merc
Well-known member
to fortyonerag if your worried about an air lock around the sender either back out the sender till a small amount of coolant appears or drain the coolant down till you can remove the sender then slowly top up till the coolant appears in the hole and then reassemble the sender into the engine
fortyonerag
Well-known member
^^^^^I'll try it out. Many thanks.
flathead 39
Member
Me too, thanks!
big job
Well-known member
I should have said you need to know what size you need first its just a standard pipe tread. You can tell with just one look. I do it this way cause I never got along with drain pans for coolant or even oil.
flathead 39
Member
Re: oil sensor
The pressure reading was good until.. climbing a 6% grade on the freeway I noticed the gauge read 0! After much scratching of the head & advice from all sides, including my son (a retired Merchant Marine Engineer) who suggested I use the tried & true nylon tube with a couple coils. Simple Huh?. Anyway finally made the change today and tested on a nearby mountain pass. No more problem.
The pressure reading was good until.. climbing a 6% grade on the freeway I noticed the gauge read 0! After much scratching of the head & advice from all sides, including my son (a retired Merchant Marine Engineer) who suggested I use the tried & true nylon tube with a couple coils. Simple Huh?. Anyway finally made the change today and tested on a nearby mountain pass. No more problem.
