Re: Entropy
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2019 9:49 am
I shared that entropy ate my car's fan belt a couple weeks back... I decided it might be a good idea to proactively replace my radiator hoses that are just as old. As usual easier to think about than do. I still need to purchase some more hoses but after replacing the first one, I fell better, it was still in pretty good shape.
I decided to replace my temperature sending units, my motor has two. When cold before warming up my car bogs and surges, as if it isn't getting any extra gas, modern version of choke. Since the dashboard temp gauge works properly, I suspect the second temp sensor is feeding the ECU and faulty.
Letting my fingers do the walking I tried to research if my car uses two different sensors or two of the same... no luck, but I found a $15 sensor listed as fitting my model motor so I ordered two...
The first one was relatively easy to access and after i swapped it there was no difference. The second sensor (on driver side head) was much harder to get out. I finally had to purchase a crowfoot socket with universal joint... That was able to get the old one out but cocked up and broke it. No problem since I planned to replace it.
I put some permatex on the threads and tried to start the new one in, it was so hard to get too (tight front of engine) I inadvertently dropped it behind the alternator.
This catches us up to a few days ago. I decided to remove the alternator to improve my access to the front of the motor. After having to wait two days for metric sockets, I was still unsuccessful at completely removing the alternator, but unbolted I was able to move it aside. I retrieved the wandering temp sensor and installed it, before securing the alternator again I decided to attach the electrical connector to the second sensor and it wouldn't plug up. The electrical connector is indexed differently so back to the drawing board.
I found a replacement temp sensor with the right connector. This one cost $53 so almost 4x the other ones. The good news it makes it easier to pay for rush delivery of the more expensive part... It is due in today, so I can back on plan, but this simple sensor swap has turned into a major PIA.
More later... hopefully there will be no more unexpected gotchas.
[edit update new part arrived and has correct connector... /edit]
JR
PS: FWIW The temp sensors are 3/4" while alternator bolts are 10mm
I decided to replace my temperature sending units, my motor has two. When cold before warming up my car bogs and surges, as if it isn't getting any extra gas, modern version of choke. Since the dashboard temp gauge works properly, I suspect the second temp sensor is feeding the ECU and faulty.
Letting my fingers do the walking I tried to research if my car uses two different sensors or two of the same... no luck, but I found a $15 sensor listed as fitting my model motor so I ordered two...
The first one was relatively easy to access and after i swapped it there was no difference. The second sensor (on driver side head) was much harder to get out. I finally had to purchase a crowfoot socket with universal joint... That was able to get the old one out but cocked up and broke it. No problem since I planned to replace it.
I put some permatex on the threads and tried to start the new one in, it was so hard to get too (tight front of engine) I inadvertently dropped it behind the alternator.
This catches us up to a few days ago. I decided to remove the alternator to improve my access to the front of the motor. After having to wait two days for metric sockets, I was still unsuccessful at completely removing the alternator, but unbolted I was able to move it aside. I retrieved the wandering temp sensor and installed it, before securing the alternator again I decided to attach the electrical connector to the second sensor and it wouldn't plug up. The electrical connector is indexed differently so back to the drawing board.
I found a replacement temp sensor with the right connector. This one cost $53 so almost 4x the other ones. The good news it makes it easier to pay for rush delivery of the more expensive part... It is due in today, so I can back on plan, but this simple sensor swap has turned into a major PIA.
More later... hopefully there will be no more unexpected gotchas.
[edit update new part arrived and has correct connector... /edit]
JR
PS: FWIW The temp sensors are 3/4" while alternator bolts are 10mm