Need help with factory Temp senders

[chaptr2]

I have a 1972 K/5 Blazer and I just recently took out the old tired engine and put in a freshly rebuilt 350 with some World Products S/R Torquer heads. My problem is that the factory temperature sending units will not fit in the S/R heads. The factory temp sender is ½ inch thread and the holes on the S/Rs are 3/8ths thread. I would like to use a factory style temp sender so I can use the factory in-dash gauge. Using an aftermarket temp gauge will be the last resort and I would like to exhaust all other options first.

I’m looking for some info on some smaller temperature sending units that will work with the factory gauge. Has anyone here run into this problem? Does anyone know the factory ohms that is takes to run our in-dash temp gauge or know of any smaller temp senders that will work?

Thanks….

Chaptr2

[bpmcgee]

LOL.

Yeah, a bunch of us have run into that problem. Best solution we can come up with right now is that I'm building an adapter to go on the back of the gauge to give you about the right range. I've built a prototype, and now I just have to put together the real one.

Brian

[ABHaulR]

If your running an aftermarket manifold your sending unit sould
fit into the manifold next to the water neck. Mine does.
Dwayne

[chaptr2]

Thanks ABHaulR I will check into that tonight. I didn't even notice a port next to the thermostat houseing, but I will take a look.

bpmcgee, that sounds interesting. So you are trying to adapt a different sender that fits in the hole to your factory gauge? How are you doing that? Please feel free to give me some more information on how you are doing that.

Chap

[Bustedup]

What about the Volvo sender that someone on here mentioned awhile back?

[chaptr2]

Bustedup, I havne't been here in a few months, so I don't know anything about a volvo sender. Any information would be very helpful at this point.

I looked last night and I don't have a port in the intake manifold that would fit my temp sender.

Thanks.

Chaptr2

[Bobalouie]

Why not go to a plumbing store and buy a reducer?

[chaptr2]

I have an adapter that I thought would work, but it doesn't fit. The piece (I'm not sure the name of it) that picks up the water temp won't fit inside the adapter.

[bpmcgee]

Originally posted by Bobalouie
Why not go to a plumbing store and buy a reducer?

Bob,

You'd actually need an EXPANDER. The hole is too small.

Chaptr,

I'm making a small circuit board that fits on the back of the gauge that will allow you to use a modern temp sender with the old gauge.

Brian

[chaptr2]

I think I found one through Schucks/Kraggen/Checker. It is a universal temp sender that shows up as a replacement for our trucks. I just ordered it and I will update this thread when I get it and I'm able to test it out.

Chap

[Woody]

Sorry I don't have any part numbers or anything. But what I have read is ask for a mid 70's Volvo Temp Sender. It is the smaller size and the correct resistance for our factory guages. Hope that helps.

[chaptr2]

Thanks Woody, that is a good lead, I'll check into that!

Thanks everyone for all your input it has really opened up some doors for me to look into. Much better than the local parts store telling me there is nothing I can do except to run aftermarket gauges.

Thanks again!

Chaptr2

[chaptr2]

Ok, I wanted to give an update on my temp sender situation that I know a few people are having. I found a smaller temp sender that works with our factory temp gauge that does work without any modifications except installing it in the head and changing to a ring connector. The only bad part about it is that you have to order it and it is $23.00, but if you go to a parts store it is free shipping and it was worth the price to me.

The brand is Niehoff Ignition part number "GA56" I have attached a link for people to check out.

Thanks for everyones ideas and help.

Chaptr2

http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...pe=425&PTSet=A

[Woody]

Chaptr2,

A BIG THANKS for the p/n & brand. I'll have to save it for referance. Was it for a Volvo? Or just a one you picked out of a book?

[bpmcgee]

Chaptr,

That link you've sent us identifies GA56 as a Water Temperature Gauge ADAPTER. Are you sure this is the right number?

Brian

[chaptr2]

Woody, I was looking on the Internet and found this on the Schucks' website. It showed that it is to work with our trucks and I asked the counter person on the phone if I could return if it didn't work right and they said without question. So I decided to give it a shot, since I was guaranteed my money back if it didn't work with my factory gauge. The good thing is it is universal so it can be used in different sized holes if I decided to change again.

I was saving the Volvo sender for my last resource or to use as my Hail Mary. It ended up that I didn't need it, but it is a good thing to file in my memory bank.

Chap

[chaptr2]

Yes bpmcgee, I'm very positive it isn't a adapter and it is a temp sender. In the package you get a temp sender that has fine threads and three other thread adapters. You screw in the temp sender into the other threads that fit your hole. I have the sender in and it is working. I

I too was confused on the adapter title so I called the manufacturer on this and they said the same thing, "Oh, our book only shows it as an adapter". Then the guy got either another book or something else and it turned out to be a sender not an adapter. What you see in the picture is what you get, plus a nut two washers (one locking) and a small phenalic piece that must stop arking.

Here is the link I got that shows all the temp senders that work for our trucks.

http://www.partsamerica.com/SelectPa...witch%2FSender