EFI ECT sensor location

[suckerpunched]

I am running the 91 MK VII engine. I am going to delete the steel heater tubes that ran to the back of the engine along the intake manifold. I need a new spot for the ECT sensor. I would like to drill and thread the blanked out hole in the thermostat housing for it but its probably not the greatest representation of engine temp. I am thinking about drilling a small bypass hole in the edge of the thermostat (maybe 1/8") to let a small amount of water pass the the sensor even if the thermostat is closed. any one have any thoughts, suggestions, downsides, better ideas ?????

 

[DirtDonk]

there may be better ideas forthcoming, but I'm not sure your first idea is such a bad one after all. The top of the t-stat housing is where lots of temps sensors are on some applications. Granted, it's for less critical components usually, such as a fan controller sensor, but I'd say it's close enough for government work if you don't come up with another spot.

Are there any places on the intake that are empty bosses already cast into it? I'm guessing you looked already, but those things are here and there on lots of intakes.

Good luck. Interested to hear what others have done. I know someone did create a semi-custom fitting for running a standard heater hose AND the sensor right there in that same stock location, so you could probably do the same.

Paul

 

[suckerpunched]

two ports on the front of the intake are being used, one for the gauge and one for the heater hose. there are two 1/4" plugs at the rear of the intake, not sure how good that is either, water may not be as hot in that location. probably would have to drill out to 3/8 to use it for anything.

 

[DirtDonk]

The coolant can actually be at it's hotest back in the rear corners. At least on some engines. Especially common on 351w engines in fact.
But the front is where Ford puts them, so I'm leaning to keeping it somewhere near the stock location. Wiring harnesses would be set up that way too, unless you're going full custom.

Interested to see what solutions the others have come up with.

Paul

 

[suckerpunched]

yeah thats an option, I could T the two 1/4" ports at rear of intake together and run them to the heater. that would leave me the front port for the sensor in stock location.

 

[pcf_mark]

I bought a new t-stat housing from my local parts store (not a chain) because my old one was nasty. It came with a boss on top for a sensor and a plug to use if you did not need the hole. It was perfect and at $15 it was a bargain.

DO drill the t-stat hole. Initially mine temp gage would read approximately whatever the outside air was until the t-stat opened then it would jump very quickly to actual engine temperature, I did two 1/8 holes opposite of each other.

 

[DirtDonk]

Yeah, we sell that style as well (http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Thermostat_Housing), or at least something similar.
But that's why I was thinking that you could simply drill and tap that same area.

But it would definitely be easier to buy a new one. And even cheaper too, if you don't already have drills and taps and such in your arsenal.

Paul