Quick question regarding new temperature gauge sender.

[Kobets]

I need to install a new temperature gauge sender, my question is do I need to put some sort of sealant on the threads before I install it into the engine block? Thanx for your input.

[ARshuter]

That's always a good idea.  Also help if you have to remove it in the future.

[rich weyand]

Use Teflon paste.  Some people will tell you not to, because you need electrical contact to the block, but it's not a problem.

Did you get the right sender?  It has to be matched to the gauge.  (I am assuming for gauge, not idiot light.)  It has to be GM #513321 for your truck (and mine).  NOS is rare and expensive, but there is an aftermarket unit with the same temperature/resistance curve from American Autowire, #1513321.  The matching connector is American Autowire 500288.

You can replace the sensor without draining antifreeze.  Just have the new one ready, pasted up and all.  Run the old one out until it is loose, then get the new one in your right hand, spin the old one off with your left hand, and put the new one in with your right hand.  It will glug-glug a little bit, but you won't lose much.

[Kobets]

I hope I got the right sender because I don't know what year engine it is because it was originally a sb400 someone switched it out in its lifetime but I know it's newer than a 1978 because the sender was closer to an 1981 model engine sender.  oh and I used Teflon tape and it is working now thanks for your input! It's very much appreciated.

[VileZambonie]

Use Teflon paste.  Some people will tell you not to, because you need electrical contact to the block, but it's not a problem.

Did you get the right sender?  It has to be matched to the gauge.  (I am assuming for gauge, not idiot light.)  It has to be GM #513321 for your truck (and mine).  NOS is rare and expensive, but there is an aftermarket unit with the same temperature/resistance curve from American Autowire, #1513321.  The matching connector is American Autowire 500288.

You can replace the sensor without draining antifreeze.  Just have the new one ready, pasted up and all.  Run the old one out until it is loose, then get the new one in your right hand, spin the old one off with your left hand, and put the new one in with your right hand.  It will glug-glug a little bit, but you won't lose much.

Yeah well if you're going to do it this way just make sure you depressurize the system.

[rich weyand]

I hope I got the right sender because I don't know what year engine it is because it was originally a sb400 someone switched it out in its lifetime but I know it's newer than a 1978 because the sender was closer to an 1981 model engine sender.  oh and I used Teflon tape and it is working now thanks for your input! It's very much appreciated.

Engine doesn't matter.  The only thing that matters is that the sender match the gauge.  Operating at temp with a 195* thermostat, the needle should be straight up, or nearly so.  If it isn't the right one, but one of the listed substitutes, it will read low.  The correct unit was $27 plus shipping when I got mine.

Use Teflon paste.  Some people will tell you not to, because you need electrical contact to the block, but it's not a problem.

Did you get the right sender?  It has to be matched to the gauge.  (I am assuming for gauge, not idiot light.)  It has to be GM #513321 for your truck (and mine).  NOS is rare and expensive, but there is an aftermarket unit with the same temperature/resistance curve from American Autowire, #1513321.  The matching connector is American Autowire 500288.

You can replace the sensor without draining antifreeze.  Just have the new one ready, pasted up and all.  Run the old one out until it is loose, then get the new one in your right hand, spin the old one off with your left hand, and put the new one in with your right hand.  It will glug-glug a little bit, but you won't lose much.

Yeah well if you're going to do it this way just make sure you depressurize the system.

I think no matter how you do it, you want to depressurize the system!

[Irish_Alley]

I hope I got the right sender because I don't know what year engine it is because it was originally a sb400 someone switched it out in its lifetime but I know it's newer than a 1978 because the sender was closer to an 1981 model engine sender.  oh and I used Teflon tape and it is working now thanks for your input! It's very much appreciated.

Engine doesn't matter.  The only thing that matters is that the sender match the gauge.  Operating at temp with a 195* thermostat, the needle should be straight up, or nearly so.  If it isn't the right one, but one of the listed substitutes, it will read low.  The correct unit was $27 plus shipping when I got mine.

Use Teflon paste.  Some people will tell you not to, because you need electrical contact to the block, but it's not a problem.

Did you get the right sender?  It has to be matched to the gauge.  (I am assuming for gauge, not idiot light.)  It has to be GM #513321 for your truck (and mine).  NOS is rare and expensive, but there is an aftermarket unit with the same temperature/resistance curve from American Autowire, #1513321.  The matching connector is American Autowire 500288.

You can replace the sensor without draining antifreeze.  Just have the new one ready, pasted up and all.  Run the old one out until it is loose, then get the new one in your right hand, spin the old one off with your left hand, and put the new one in with your right hand.  It will glug-glug a little bit, but you won't lose much.

Yeah well if you're going to do it this way just make sure you depressurize the system.

I think no matter how you do it, you want to depressurize the system!

and make sure the engine/coolant isnt hot.