Big Block Temp Sensor Install

[65belv]

The temperature gauge sensor uses a pipe threaded hole that is the same dimensions as the heater hose fittings in the water pump and I wanted to keep the idiot light temperature sensor stock. Some have suggested that you can drill a hole in the water pump with grease on the drill to keep any metal pieces from falling into the pump but I don't believe it. So one method of installing a temp sensor without pulling the water pump and trying to keep a fairly low key installation was to drill and thread the thermostat housing and use good ol' Hylomar sealant. Of course the original stock thermostat housing and the tools to reinstall it are in the trunk in case something goes horribly wrong. The pictures show the result and I'm wondering if anyone else has gone this route. It's a great place to measure the water temperature and any feedback on your installation is welcome........ Arland

 

[Meep-Meep]

My guess is the temp reading will be accurate as long as the T stat is open and you have a good flow of water past the sender. During warm up the gauge reading may lag the true conditions of the heads because the sender is on the "wrong" side of the T stat but that shouldn't matter.