Coolant temp sensor?

Maverick26 · Jan 12, 2010

On the 2001 chevy 4.3L that is in my buggy there is only one coolant temp sensor on the left hand side in the head inline with the middle spark plug correct? If so that sensor is for both the computer and the gauge? If so, is there another port somewhere that I can screw in a gauge sensor since im running a mechanical gauge? If there is an easier way to do this let me know, I need a temp gauge bad so I can run it longer for more testing. Thanks.

JOOP · Jan 12, 2010

I don't know off the top of my head, but is there a sensor port on the thermostat housing??

Bodaciouscj7 · Jan 12, 2010

There is a pipe plug in the other head you can pull to put the sensor in. Usually a p.i.t.a. to get out though

Maverick26 · Jan 12, 2010

There is not one in the Tstat housing on the 98+ 4.3L and this one is a 2001.

As for the one on the other head I got it out by welding a alan socket to it and giving it the impact. But once I got it out there is nothing in there to hold the sensor from falling into the jacket. My gauge came with the line that has the Tmeter on the end and then a threaded fitting that slides up and down the line. The Tmeter needs to be pushed against the fitting in order to make a seal. Not sure if this makes any sense but when I put the Tmeter in the block and tighten down the fitting all the way the Tmeter is still lose.... ergo leak water like crazy.

zukkev · Jan 12, 2010

There should be a coolant sensor for the pcm right next to the t-stat housing, not on it...toward the passenger side of the engine...

Maverick26 · Jan 12, 2010

zukkev said:
There should be a coolant sensor for the pcm right next to the t-stat housing, not on it...toward the passenger side of the engine...

So the one for the computer is next to the t-stat housing? Ok, ill look and if is Ill use the one on the driver side head for the gauge.

44newman · Jan 12, 2010

You need a sender adapter like this for your mech gauge.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-63645/

Maverick26 · Jan 13, 2010

44newman said:
You need a sender adapter like this for your mech gauge.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-63645/

Ya I think so, im gonna run to napa tonight and get one. That adapter has a flange inside that holds the t-meter from falling into the block. Yay! Thanks man!