I've done a search and can't find anything recent about where to install a sensor for a Mechanical Water Temperature Sensor.

Can it be installed in this location:

Attachment 36167

I would remove that plug with the square hole, drill a hole and tap it to 1/2" NPT, and install the fitting. Seems like a perfect place as there is plenty of room for the bulb that drops into the fitting.

Seems like it would be pretty accurate, too, since that pipe (with the blue hose) goes right to the thermostat housing. So whatever the T-Stat is seeing, the sensor would basically see the same temperature.

Thanks for the help!

 

I think that could be a great location. As long as the water in that location is not outside the loop of the thermostat. Meaning, it's not in a part where the water won't get circulated until the thermostat is open. Hard to tell by the photo, and I'm too lazy to go look and compare on my car.

 

That's the factory crossover and I believe that plug is for bleeding air out of the system...not sure. I think it doesn't see full flow until the thermostat opens.

 

Just curious why it would matter. The bulb would still be in water, and that water would heat up with the engine. Then when the T-Stat opens, water would start circulating. Not questioning your thoughts - just curious. If I'm looking for the water temp in the engine, wouldn't that be a great spot?

I've read that that is the plug to bleed the system, too. But I would never remove it (other than for drilling and tapping the 1/2" NPT hole). I just had the entire coolant system drained and filled it back up without any problems.

Just looks like such a convenient spot!

 

If it only gets circulation when the thermostat opens up, that water would remain cool (or even cold) until the thermostat opens up. The coolant circulates in a loop in the engine when the thermostat is closed. The water outside this loop does not get heated up during this time.

When the thermostat opens up, it lets water start circulating to the radiator, creating a larger loop. This location is evidently in that second, larger loop. The sensor would not read correctly until the thermostat started to open, at around 180F.

 

I am with Steve on this one, good and also bad location.

 

Makes sense...

So, if I wanted the gauge to show a problem (fan failure for example)... would that location be ok?

Then I would know it's not accurate during warm up, but then I would see the needle rise when the T-Stat opened.

I would know where a "good" reading would be (taking into account A/C on, hotter days, etc.) and would know a problem existed if it got much higher.

I hear the stock gauge will point pretty much straight up even if the temp is higher than normal.

 

More than two years ago I installed my water temp sensor in that location and the gauge works fine...
and yes the factory gauge is pretty much useless. Reads the same as long as the engine temp is within a certain range. That's why I went with an aftermarket gauge.

 

Thanks!

 

I tapped my water temp gauge into the OBD port.........

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

 

Technically the opposite side of the crossover tube is a more accurate location. That coolant fill location is where the coolant goes into the engine. The opposite side is where the coolant comes out of the engine, this is where you want your sensor. You don't want to measure coolant that just came out of the radiator.

Besides the coolant fill screw itself is like an inch thick. Why would you want to drill through all that? I spot where I put mine is less than half the thickness and is aluminum so it is easier to drill.

Good luck changing your coolant if you mess up that cap. You are supposed to fill the coolant into the system through that cap, not the coolant resevoir. What you're going to unscrew the sensor every time you change yoru coolant? Have fun doing that! Oh and guess what if you mess up that cap when you drill it, it's going to cost you $150 to replace it because ford only sells it with a new tube.

Drilling your coolant fill cap is JUST PLAIN RETARDED

 

That cracked me up

 

That's where mine is going too!!!

 

Which link? I went to that page but found only this:

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/sensor.html

Temperature sensor kits:

Each kit consists of a sensor and
connector/pigtail. These accurate
sensors are OEM units and are
available for use for fluid or air
temperature.

Available soon

 

Look here for everything you need to know, plus probably alittle more.
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=71564

 

Thinking you fill your coolant there is just plain retarded.

I've always filled up at the reservoir and have never had a problem.

I think I'll drill the "filling cap" and put my sensor there just because of this response!

And only retards mess up when drilling and tapping.

 

Where did you get that check valve, and how well has it worked for you?

 

It came with the Turbo Kit. You could go to www.granatellimotorsports.com and give them a call.

I've put maybe 15 miles on the car since the turbo, so I don't know. I'm sure it'll work fine... allows vacuum to pull from the cam cover, but doesn't allow boost to blow into the cam cover.

 

You should do a little more research on the filling cap.
I know Dustin has.
Filling the coolant there displaces more air from the engine (most all of it) if the system is very low. Fill there first, then the reservoir.
Air can cause a hot spot and damage the engine.
He may sound harsh to you, but he has a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He has had a lot of good and bad experiences with S197 Mustangs.

 

Well, this isn't the first car I've had to fill at a coolant reservoir and I've never had any problems... no air pockets at all. And I've had them pretty much empty.

I don't mind harsh... rude is more like it for him.

BTW, I have a degree in Civil Engineering and had all the same core classes as he did!