temperature probe location - red head

[Dave_EH]

Hi,

I wondered what was the preferred location for a temperature probe on a red six?

In the thermo housing or in the cylinder head where there is a hole on the rear passenger side?

My head new head needs either a plug for this hole or a probe or vice versa with my lower thermo housing.

Any ideas of what works better, and what sort of sealant to use if I plug the culinder head - I've got aviation sealant and Holden stud sealer.

repco wants $139 for a new lower thermo housing - is this the norm?

cheers
Dave

[FCwagon]

Dave
The hole on the rear passenger side is where the temp sensor for the warning light is normally fitted. It's the hottest part of the engine and is a good spot for a  guage sensor. You can even use normal plumbing teflon thread tape to seal it.
You should be able to get a good 2nd hand lwr thermo housing from the wreckers for about 10 bucks.
cheers,
Leigh

[craiga]

Dave,

From what I know the rear head location is about the hottest spot in a red six. The thermostat housing is better because it's actual water temp and better reflects the operating temperature of the coolant.

Maybe other guys have different viewpoints?

FWIK the most accurate and reliable temperature is oil temp.

Cheers,

Craig.

[gp]

The hole at the left rear of the head is used for heater plumbing. The Temp sender should be in the thermostat housing......that's how the factory did it anyway.

Cheers,

Graham

[Dave_EH]

Thanks,

I've seen it done both ways and wasn't sure which way to go.  Somone told me that the rear head spot was a better location so I thought I'd get a second opinion.

My old head has the hole plugged, but I can't get it out.
If I source a new plug should I use teflon or sealant or loctite?  Is it under much pressure or does the water just flow through?

Craig, how does the oil temp work?  Is it easily fitted?

Cheers
Dave

[craiga]

Dave,

Oil temp gauges are usually of the electronic type, not capillary like early type temp sensors. My mate uses and electronic one on his sports sedan but with a $30 000 chev you'd be watching closely as well!!

You could fit one in place of the old oil light switch, but for a street engine a correctly placed coolant temp sensor will be enough.

Cheers,

Craig.

[Fast_Eddie]

On this basis, is it possible to fit a temperature sensor to the driver's side of a grey motor thermostat housing for an electrical water temp gauge where the threaded plug is located for a heater take off point?

[earlyholdenfan]

Ed, that is exactly what my FJ has in place
Matt