Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hugh Mongus · 07-15-2014, 03:08 PM

I have been searching the forum and the web for this information, and I cannot find a definitive answer...

What temp sender can I use in vortec heads that is compatible with the factory temp gauge? I have seen talk about a machinist reducing the size of the factory sender, certain senders working at various temps but not all temps, and others trying different senders from Napa, but nothing that says "THIS ONE WORKS".

Can someone post a part number of a known working sender for vortec heads?

Thanks!!

**FirstOwner69** · 07-15-2014, 04:31 PM

Below is a link to the latest thread about this. Simply stated, you can use an original sensor by have it machined for $20 or drill and tap the head. Forum member brian mac can machine your sensor. His contact info is in post 23.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=627880

Hugh Mongus · 07-16-2014, 09:06 AM

Thanks!

joeydurango · 07-16-2014, 10:36 AM

Or you can buy a cheap brass Autometer adapter that will take your original sender and allow it to be used with the Vortec. That's how mine's set up, and it works great. The only thing is that the needle on the temp gauge isn't in the middle when it's at operating temp - but once you know what normal is, it's no problem. Sorry, it's been a while since I bought that adapter, so no part number - but they're under $15 and readily available. Just a metric thread -> NPT adapter, a very basic part.

davepl · 07-16-2014, 01:12 PM

I've drilled and tapped an intake manifold for the original temp sensor. The big fat tap itself wasn't cheap ($35 I think) but it wasn't rocket science. It is a tapered thread so I'd check your depth with the sensor periodically as you tap it.

That said, I have no idea if drilling into the head is a good idea. Only ever done it on an intake.

**jocko** · 07-16-2014, 02:36 PM

I highly recommend Brian Mac. Solved my problem with factory results. I don't recall the original gauge reading to be centered at operating temperature, but i could be wrong. Joey's approach would be great also - Joey, any part numbers or info on that adapter?? Thanks for sharin that. Anyway, I used the standard "TU5" sender and Brian resized it for me. Works perfect.

07-15-2014, 03:08 PM	#1
Hugh Mongus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 360	Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) I have been searching the forum and the web for this information, and I cannot find a definitive answer... What temp sender can I use in vortec heads that is compatible with the factory temp gauge? I have seen talk about a machinist reducing the size of the factory sender, certain senders working at various temps but not all temps, and others trying different senders from Napa, but nothing that says "THIS ONE WORKS". Can someone post a part number of a known working sender for vortec heads? Thanks!! __________________ -Jason USN Retired

07-15-2014, 04:31 PM	#2
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,844	Re: Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) Below is a link to the latest thread about this. Simply stated, you can use an original sensor by have it machined for $20 or drill and tap the head. Forum member brian mac can machine your sensor. His contact info is in post 23. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=627880

07-16-2014, 09:06 AM	#3
Hugh Mongus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 360	Re: Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) Thanks! __________________ -Jason USN Retired

07-16-2014, 10:36 AM	#4
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) Or you can buy a cheap brass Autometer adapter that will take your original sender and allow it to be used with the Vortec. That's how mine's set up, and it works great. The only thing is that the needle on the temp gauge isn't in the middle when it's at operating temp - but once you know what normal is, it's no problem. Sorry, it's been a while since I bought that adapter, so no part number - but they're under $15 and readily available. Just a metric thread -> NPT adapter, a very basic part. __________________ 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super \| LWB, fleetside \| 350/350/205 \| KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne \| SWB, fleetside \| LS Swap 5.3/4L60 \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 400/4-spd \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 455/4-spd \| TOTALED

07-16-2014, 01:12 PM	#5
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) I've drilled and tapped an intake manifold for the original temp sensor. The big fat tap itself wasn't cheap ($35 I think) but it wasn't rocket science. It is a tapered thread so I'd check your depth with the sensor periodically as you tap it. That said, I have no idea if drilling into the head is a good idea. Only ever done it on an intake. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

07-16-2014, 02:36 PM	#6
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,962	Re: Quick, Easy question (Hopefully) I highly recommend Brian Mac. Solved my problem with factory results. I don't recall the original gauge reading to be centered at operating temperature, but i could be wrong. Joey's approach would be great also - Joey, any part numbers or info on that adapter?? Thanks for sharin that. Anyway, I used the standard "TU5" sender and Brian resized it for me. Works perfect.



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