Help! Broken water temp sensor!

[markh1]

While trying to put the coolant pipes back in I have managed to break the sensor that sticks into the metal pipe. Its the bit that you can see when you take out the nut. I will try and add pics in a bit.

How do I replace this as there seems no obvious way of removing the old sensor from the pipe??

[brogenville]

Are you talking about the electrical sensor or the cappilary tube sensor?

[markh1]

brogenville said:

Are you talking about the electrical sensor or the cappilary tube sensor?

Sorry its the cappilary tube sensor

[GreenV8S]

markh1 said:

brogenville said:

Are you talking about the electrical sensor or the cappilary tube sensor?

Sorry its the cappilary tube sensor

If you break a capillary sensor you would usually need to replace the whole thing (including the gauge).

[brogenville]

I was just about to say the same; I believe that if the capillary tube gets detached, then the gauge, tube, and sensor all have to get sent away for specialist repair. Bit of a bugger I'm afraid.

[TT Tim]

Yep, if you've broken the bulb off the capiliary tube then it's back to SpeedyCables for repair.

Tim

[markh1]

Bugger! That will teach me to be more carefull! I will have to give them a call. Thanks chaps.

[caduceus]

Don't expect it back in a hurry though. Mines been there a month now.

[BMartinsWheels]

Did the same thing with mine. Speedy cables sorted mine. Took about 6 weeks. £55.

[markh1]

6 weeks!

I will have to send it off on monday then.

What parts did you have to send off? Gauge, wire and the pipe that it goes into?

[caduceus]

Just the guage and the cable.

[markh1]

caduceus said:

Just the guage and the cable.

You say that but the bit that is broken is the bit that goes into the coolant pipe. How do I get that bit out as there does not seem to be an obvious way.

[ridds]

Remove the pipe
Spray with WD40
Lever out from inside the pipe

imho this is the only safe way to remove them.

[markh1]

Cheers Matt, I will give that a bash tomorrow. Been at it since 7 this morning, I think 16 hours in one day working on the cerb in enough!

[markh1]

UPDATE

Speedy cables received my gauge last Tuesday and have rung me just now to say they are sending it back to me already!!

I was worried I was going to be without the cerb for another 4 weeks! So it looks like next weekend it could all be back together

[peteA]

ridds said:

Remove the pipe
Spray with WD40
Lever out from inside the pipe

imho this is the only safe way to remove them.

Am I reading this right....

I am going to be replacing the pipes and hoses soon so want to make sure I dont damage this bit of kit!

Is the sensor in the pipe, the bit next to the radiator, not screwed in..? You have to 'pop' it out from behind...? What with? maybe I am picturing this the wrong way....I will check the new stainless steel pipe I have from ACT when i get home...

If the whole set up...guage, capiliaary and sensor have to be sent off how is it refitted? Will the sensor fit through the whole in the bulkhead (near the air box)...? the same one that the throttle cable exits through..?

I think I might have a small water leak from either the sensor itself or the hole where it mounts...the gauge works...hoping it just needs re-sealing into my new pipe when it is fitted.

[markh1]

I took the sensor out by soaking it in dismantling fluid for several hours. I then used a combination of gently pulling with pliers and levering it from the bottom with a screwdriver. The sensor is not threaded in but there is a threaded cap you have to remove before you can take the sensor out.

As far as putting it back in, im not really sure tbh I don't know how hard it will have to be pushed in and what stops it leaking.

[Nefarious]

When you put it back, make sure that the 'cable' doesn't hang down onto the exhaust manifold, or you'll get crazy hot readings.

[markh1]

Nefarious said:

When you put it back, make sure that the 'cable' doesn't hang down onto the exhaust manifold, or you'll get crazy hot readings.

Thanks, duely noted!