Temp Gauge Sending Unit Question

[norcalnewb]

I have 62 Sprite into which I have put a 1275. The 1275 has a spot for the temp gauge sending unit, so I would like to put it there. I need to plug the hole in the radiator with something, but can't seem to find a plug the proper size. Does anybody know of something that can be used?

Thanks!

 

[spritenut]

If the head of your 1275 still has the plug in it, that plug fits the radiator hole.
If you do not have a plug, the size is 5/8 x ?? but it is a common plumbing fitting available at any hardware store.
Get the brass one.

Frank
The BETTER, not bigger Healeys

 

[dklawson]

I believe all the temp sender holes (and therefore the temp senders) were threaded 5/8-18. This is very close to a 3/8NPT pipe thread as Spritenut mentioned. You could start by purchasing a couple of pipe plugs in that size and checking them for fit. You may wish to buy both brass and nylon ones to check for fit. The nylon ones may be a little easier to install with the slight thread mismatch and they won't cause any damage to the radiator or its tapped hole. Brass is also good if you don't have a fit problem but stay away from the steel/iron fittings.

 

[Tullamore]

[ QUOTE ]
Frank
The BETTER, not bigger Healeys

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice quote Frank.

 

[spritenut]

I can say that because I finished my Healey 3000 and it's just a pretty bodied tractor. It's for sale because I prefer my BETTER Healey over that big tank /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Frank
The BETTER not bigger Healeys

 

[George Zeck]

Did the same. Use the plug from the head and it's much more reliable & accurate. If it's a stock guage -- make sure the mercury cord isn't busted. They are pretty pricey.

You'll like the 1275.

Good luck -

George Zeck

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[norcalnewb]

Unfortunately, the 1275 I pulled had the sending unit in the head, and not the radiator, so I never had a plug I could use. I'll have to find one.

I did check the temp guage on my 62 using a cup of hot water. The water was about the temperature of a cup of coffee, and the guage read just about 160, so it looks to be ok.

I can't wait to get the 1275 up and going. I think I can see the light at the end of tunnel. It is faint, but it is there.

 

[ChrisS]

One option you may try is a 5/8-18 bolt, brass or stainless steel. Try a marine store or you can get it online, try McMaster-Carr, part # 93190A212, it is a 316 stainless 5/8-11 x 1", you may need to cut it down since it is the shortest I saw that could be purchased individually.

https://www.mcmaster.com/

 

[ChrisS]

One thing I forgot to add in my last post, depending on the sealing surface of the radiator you will need a sealing washer. Try an oil drain plug washer at the local auto parts store or a brass or fiber washer in the plumbing isle at the hardware store. Look for bonnet nut washers.

 

[George Zeck]

Try a bone yard:


Jay Weaver (North Ridgeville, OH): 330-321-5900
Scott Harper (Brit Junk Yard in Warren, OH) 330-392-7176


I'd try these guys -- they are local to me, but have had reasonable luck sourcing items from one of the two.

Good luck-

George

 

[Bugeye58]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I can see the light at the end of tunnel. It is faint, but it is there.

[/ QUOTE ]

But often, it is an oncoming train!!

Jeff