Temp Sender for Vortec heads - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stknrdr2 · 04-23-2003, 03:40 PM

I recently installed some vortec heads, (they run sweetly by the way) and I need to know what temp sender to use.....

I read on here early volvo but I cant seem to find any more info than that..does anyone have the specific year/model 'o volvo? Or perhaps (gasp) a part number? I cant stand to drive around temp gaugeless much longer...good thing my cooling system is all new and trusted heheh

Boyd Johnson

Project1970 · 04-23-2003, 06:59 PM

I just ended up putting the original sender in the intake for now...I'm going to have to do something, though, even though I clearanced it I think it's slowly wearing through the upper radiator hose.

I'll need either a different way to route the top hose, or a different sender or place to put one...

mikep · 04-23-2003, 07:39 PM

Early 70's volvo. Up to 72 I believe .The have an AN type threading so the threads arent tapered. That just means you'll need a gasket. I got a nylon flat washer type gasket from the hardware store when I put one in my SR's which have the same size sender hole as the vortecs. If you are using a 180 degree thermostat it will put the needle straight up at 180. Its the only sender calibrated to do that with the type of gage we have in our trucks.

alta-aj · 04-24-2003, 02:01 AM

I'm expecting the vortec heads have 3/8s NPT tread and that's the concern.

I have a 79 400 in my Jimmy and found that the temp sender from the 79 engine was the wrong resistance for the 72 gauge. So I went to NAPA and spent a good 15 minutes going through their books but could not find a temp sender with a 3/8s NPT of the same resistance as the old one.

Solution: I took a 72 vintage sender to a machine shop and had them cut the treads down - temp gauge works again!!

mikep · 04-24-2003, 11:03 AM

Once again the volvo sensor is the correct resistance for a 180 degree thermostat. The threads on the volvo sensor are 3/8" straight which only means you'll need a gasket if you use one in a 3/8" pipe hole like in the vortecs

04-23-2003, 03:40 PM	#1
stknrdr2 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 10	Temp Sender for Vortec heads I recently installed some vortec heads, (they run sweetly by the way) and I need to know what temp sender to use..... I read on here early volvo but I cant seem to find any more info than that..does anyone have the specific year/model 'o volvo? Or perhaps (gasp) a part number? I cant stand to drive around temp gaugeless much longer...good thing my cooling system is all new and trusted heheh Boyd Johnson __________________ STKNRDR 72 LWB c/10 4wd-Hugger Orange - Frame Off Resto, 350, 4"lift, Auburn Limited Slips Both Axles- 4.56 gears- 35's - HEI - Edelbrock Performer Carb and Intake. Recently Completed - 700r4/NP208 conversion and vortec heads. Future Goals - Vortec Injection, lowering back to original height, and one ton running gear so's I can haul all my crap. Lifted truck look cool but they are useless for anything but 'wheeling

04-23-2003, 06:59 PM	#2
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	I just ended up putting the original sender in the intake for now...I'm going to have to do something, though, even though I clearanced it I think it's slowly wearing through the upper radiator hose. I'll need either a different way to route the top hose, or a different sender or place to put one... __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

04-23-2003, 07:39 PM	#3
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Early 70's volvo. Up to 72 I believe .The have an AN type threading so the threads arent tapered. That just means you'll need a gasket. I got a nylon flat washer type gasket from the hardware store when I put one in my SR's which have the same size sender hole as the vortecs. If you are using a 180 degree thermostat it will put the needle straight up at 180. Its the only sender calibrated to do that with the type of gage we have in our trucks. __________________ No truck :-(

04-24-2003, 02:01 AM	#4
alta-aj Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Qualicum Beach, B.C>, Canada Posts: 117	I had an original machined. I'm expecting the vortec heads have 3/8s NPT tread and that's the concern. I have a 79 400 in my Jimmy and found that the temp sender from the 79 engine was the wrong resistance for the 72 gauge. So I went to NAPA and spent a good 15 minutes going through their books but could not find a temp sender with a 3/8s NPT of the same resistance as the old one. Solution: I took a 72 vintage sender to a machine shop and had them cut the treads down - temp gauge works again!!

04-24-2003, 11:03 AM	#5
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Once again the volvo sensor is the correct resistance for a 180 degree thermostat. The threads on the volvo sensor are 3/8" straight which only means you'll need a gasket if you use one in a 3/8" pipe hole like in the vortecs __________________ No truck :-(



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