ECU coolant temperature sensor

[RubbishFettler]

Hi Folks, hope someone can give advice.

I am trying to remove the temp sensor. the one currently fitted has the plastic nut and it is just spinning when I am trying to unscrew it. I have read that this can be a problem, does anybody have any tips for how to solve the problem?

Cheers

Steve

[KKson]

I had the same problem with normal ring spanner so managed to get a deep socket over it which did the trick.

[Convert]

I had the same problem with a replacement from Grimmer bros.

I too used a socket, but it carried on spinning, so I got a chisel and used it to lever under the nut as I turned the socket.

[RubbishFettler]

I can get a socket on ok. When you say you levered with a chisel, does that mean it was the thread which was slipping or was the nut spinning around the body of the sensor and the pressure applied with the chisel was enough to turn the thread?

Cheers

[KKson]

Top tip - if the socket is spinning then put a folded sheet of baking aluminium foil over the sensor first so it will provide a tighter grip on the HEX head.

[RubbishFettler]

Cheers that's a good tip, but in this case the socket isn't spinning, it's the haxagon plastic nut which is just turning on the body of the unit

[gmw9666]

Had this happen to me in the past, I hate the plastic ones

In the end I had to snap the plastic end off leaving the brass bit underneath then using mole grips to unscrew it

Total pain in the ass

[RubbishFettler]

That's great thanks, I thought that would be the case, I guess I just wanted the confidence that someone else had already done it. I really can't see the logic in such a poxy plastic setup.

Steve

[adam quantrill]

Before that you could try some superglue on the spinning bit to try and lock it to the body, leave it to set 24 hours.

[Wedg1e]

RubbishFettler said:

I really can't see the logic in such a poxy plastic setup.

Steve

Cost. Brass is a lot more expensive than plastic
If people fitted stuff properly with the correct sealants and so on, they'd be a lot easier to change next time.

[RubbishFettler]

The superglue idea sounds worth a try before more brutal measures-thanks for the tip

[RubbishFettler]

Mission accomplished! I couldn't gain access to try the superglue idea but I am sure that tip will come in handy on some other project. I carefully chipped the plastic nut off the brass body then unscrewed with a pair of grips.The sensor really wasn't screwed in tightly, there is just next to nothing securing the plastic hex to the brass body- ridiculous design, I have replaced it with a brass unit. Thanks for all the suggestions

Steve