Wire to Temperature Probe Broke

[colnago]

The wire going to my engine temperature probe broke right at the 90-degree connector, where it plugs into the top of the probe. The probe itself is circular on top, so the connector looks like a miniature spark-plug connector. Unfortunately, it's not a serviceable part, so I can't fix the one I have. No biggie, I can get a new one at AutoZone, right? Wrong! I can't find one anywhere (not even LMC lists one)! Does anyone have a link or a part number for a new 90-degree circular connector?

Thanks,

Joseph

[SmoothJ69]

I just used a butt connector and bent it over.

I assume you are talking about the plug on the wire and not the top of the actual temp switch.

[colnago]

Yes, the top of the switch is okay. But even the butt connectors I can find are all blade connectors. I can't find any circular connectors, except the bullet connectors, and those are made to clip in to each other. I've been running without a temp reading for a couple of months now, so it's not a major issue, but it is annoying. Maybe I'll see if I can pull one out of the bone yard this next weekend (although I'd rather not get 45-year-old, rusted-through wire, which is why I went to AutoZone in the first place).

Joseph

[SmoothJ69]

thats what I'm talking about, the bullet type butt splice. I just took the 'female' side and shoved it down on top of the sensor. it might take a little persuasion to get a decent fit but the point is just to make a connection between the wire and the sensor. In theory you could probably just wrap the stripped end of the wire around the top of the sensor, just make sure its clean since its been uncovered for however long.

[colnago]

I'll have to try that tonight. I have a zillion female bullet connectors in the garage, so I have nothing to lose.

Thanks for the pointer,

Joseph

[mrollings53]

Isn't the connector on the sender threaded? If so, just get a spade or ring terminal and screw a nut on.

[colnago]

I think you're right about the connector being threaded. I'll have to check it out this weekend. If it's not, then I'll use a butt connector until I can pull the real thing off of a truck in the junk yard.

Thanks,

Joseph

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

The wire going to my engine temperature probe broke right at the 90-degree connector, where it plugs into the top of the probe. The probe itself is circular on top, so the connector looks like a miniature spark-plug connector. Unfortunately, it's not a serviceable part, so I can't fix the one I have. No biggie, I can get a new one at AutoZone, right? Wrong! I can't find one anywhere (not even LMC lists one)! Does anyone have a link or a part number for a new 90-degree circular connector?

Thanks,

Joseph

Napa sells them. You'll have to bring it in.

or just goto a junkyard and snip it off of just about any ford product. other makes have them also

[colnago]

Yeah, I checked with the local Napa. They wanted 15 bucks, though! I didn't ask if that was the entire wire from sensor to gauge. All I really wanted was the connector with a 12" pigtail, and I figured that it should have cost under five bucks. Since I have various generic connectors, I'll probably hack something together with what I have, then go to Napa when my project is a bit more "worthy" of a new cable.

Thanks,

Joseph

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

yeah that is robbery, but thats the price if you want OE style connectors

[colnago]

mrollings53,

You were right. The connector on the sender was threaded. I put a ring connector on my wire, popped it on the sender, and snugged it down with a nut. Now I have the engine temp again! That was actually the easy one. Now I have to figure out what's going on with my fuel gauge ...

Thanks,

Joseph