Temperature Sensor

Currently working on fixing problems on my 1971 CJ5 with the Dauntless V6. The temperature gauge was not working, so I ordered a new temperature sensor. I tried to install it today, and the old sensor was much larger in diameter than the replacement sensor. At this point I realized the sensor was installed in the intake manifold, which is not stock. It currently has an Offenhauser 4 bbl intake. Could anyone who has a similar set up tell me what size temperature sensor will fit in this manifold?

 

Typically you'd buy a bushing (threaded inside and out) to adapt the smaller sensor to the larger hole in the manifold. Hardware store item. Assuming you have the right part.

An example: https://www.amazon.com/Nigo-Brass-Fitting-Bushing-Female/dp/B0748CP7FW/ref=sr_1_3

 

There were two different sizes that were used.
13/16" x 18 diameter
9/16" x 14 diameter
As Tim has said, source the correct bushing for what you are trying to install.
To my knowledge, the temperature sensor has always been in the intake manifold.
At or just behind the thermostat opening

 

Thanks to all for the input. Since I already have the sensor the bushing seems like the best approach. I will stop at the hardware store on the way home today and pick one up.

 

Buy a brass bushing for sure. Be sparing with the teflon tape, and DON'T overtighten!

 

For sure go easy on torque. Lubed threads tear out with surprisingly little torque sometimes. Or split the case. Teflon, anti-seize, permatex, oil, loctite all lube the threads.

 

Resurrecting this thread as I am hoping to get this resolved this summer. I have all of the gauges working now, except that the temperature gauge reads hot. The engine is not really hot, as I can check the radiator hose temp coming out of the engine with an IR gun, and it reads 160 F, which matches the 160 F thermostat. When I first bought this jeep, the gauge did not read at all. I put in a new sensor, and it started reading, but too high. When I first start up the engine, the gauge goes immediately to the half way mark. When the engine has run for a while, it sits at the "H". Checking the resistance of the sensor, it seemed to be incorrect, so I bought another one. It does not immediately go to the center on start, but still climbs to the H after warming up.

At this point I have several possibilities:

1. I have managed to buy 2 bad sending units in a row.
2. The gauge needs to be replaced
3. The gauge is not compatible with the OEM replacement sending unit (speedometer cluster had been replaced by PO, I have no idea what brand it might be).

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am just trying to narrow down the options before spending money on another sending unit or gauge.

 

Personally I want to see the actual temp. I by passed the cluster and installed a Sunpro mechanical guage.
Same with oil.

 

For about $15 you can buy an infra-red hand held digital remote thermometer with laser sight.

Good to check the actual temperature of the engine, verify the guage/sender accuracy, etc. And a million other things.

 

I too like to see the actual temp, oil pressure, and voltage, and the temp and fuel gages in the cluster no longer work on my Jeep. The previous owner solved that by installing some cheap gages in the dash so there were already four holes for gages. I have installed quality military reproduction fuel, oil pressure, temperature gages and a Bosch Voltage gage.

You can buy a good quality temp gage, with sender from QTM for about $20 which will probably fit the bushing you have. With that you can determine whether your inaccurate reading is the sender or the gage. I don't think you can calibrate the temp gage in the cluster but someone else may know whether that is possible.