Coolant temp sensor leak

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 24 Jul 2008, 11:01

My local garage have identified a leak at the coolant temp sender ( the one that points to the side of the van), we assume that this is just the O ring and needs renewing and might as well replace the sender too). Is there anything I need to be aware of when renewing as it seems a fairly straightforward procedure, i.e the plastic thermostat housing is the problem and not the O ring.

Post by **Mocki** » 24 Jul 2008, 13:02

simple job, remember to turn the heater to cold before you do it, and clean the seat the o ring goes in , in this area we live in, limescale is a problem.

you will get wet, and you will loose some coolant, but if you leave the cap on the header tank, and switch the heater off, it will be limited.

replace the clip the o ring and the sender........

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 24 Jul 2008, 13:29

Thanks Mocki, excellent tips as usual, got the O ring from VW (and the part no's of Club80-90 search - brill!) but no clip or sender in stock so will go ahead and if the clip and sender are OK for now will replace at later date. I have the blue antifreeze and purchased 10ltrs of the correct AF while I was there, and a new thermo fan switch so will be doing a complete drain, refill and bleed in which case I assume the heater should be on hot so it drains as well.

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 24 Jul 2008, 18:05

Drained system and flushed, but could someone confirm that the clip that holds the temperature sensor should stand out about 5mm, in other words it doesn't fully press home against the housing, I would have to hit it with a hammer to get it to do that and I'm pretty sure it would break. It looks identical to the other one fitted on the thermostat housing but, you never know, that could be wrong.

Post by **ermie571** » 24 Jul 2008, 19:15

sounds the same as the job we did today on ours....my temp sender doesn't work - but shorting the plug made the switch leap into life....

sender replaced (but it was the one facing the front of the van).

Clips are proud as you describe. Worst bit was trying to press the sender in far enough with the new rubber o ring to get the clip in!

Em
x

Post by **lhd** » 24 Jul 2008, 19:45

Worst bit was trying to press the sender in far enough with the new rubber o ring to get the clip in!

I'll second that my brothers got one.

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 24 Jul 2008, 19:47

Thanks very much Em, had the same problem trying to get the clip in with a new O ring.

Post by **ermie571** » 24 Jul 2008, 19:57

One or two rude words from under the van.....he threatened it with a large screwdriver thru the crankcase....and the van gave in!!!

Emma

Post by **ermie571** » 24 Jul 2008, 19:59

Ummm....just a question....

why are there 2 sensors?? One pointing to the side and one pointing to the front?

I NEED to know, now!!

Em
x

Post by **Mocki** » 24 Jul 2008, 20:02

one is for the guage, the other for the carb heater and choke

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 24 Jul 2008, 20:03

I cheated and some one will say I shouldn't have done it, but I sprayed a bit of WD40 and it just seemed to press in much easier. Too late now, it's in and staying in (me hopes), maybe I should try threatening behaviour next time!

Post by **ermie571** » 24 Jul 2008, 20:26

Mocki wrote:one is for the guage, the other for the carb heater and choke

Cheers Mocki!

Em
x

Post by **maxstu** » 24 Jul 2008, 22:18

Hi Mocki,

Which sensor is for the choke? Side facing one or cab facing one?
Due to a itsy bitsy leak I had to change Stat housing today. One sensor had a load of silicone or instant gasket around the o ring. So I cleaned it and added more before clipping back in housing.

Temp gauge is working so I need to know which sensor does what?

Thanks

Post by **maxstu** » 25 Jul 2008, 00:09

I reckon one pointing to side of van is choke? That's the sensor with silicone boshed around the o ring & all over the face of it. And I've had choke problems in the past .....hmmmm

Post by **HarryMann** » 25 Jul 2008, 01:06

Worst bit was trying to press the sender in far enough with the new rubber o ring to get the clip in!

A little trace of red-rubber grease? failing that WD40 won't harm it I bet.

Clean all the contacts and check the wires haven't 'cracked', not unknown, chekc their continuiity, and have someone wiggle and move them a round near the sensor as you watch the resistance