[DeTomaso] Stock Fan Sensor

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/9/11 10 05 52, pjd0801 at gmail.com writes:


> Hello, I was looking for some help w/ a question that I am hoping is 
> simple. I had a leak from the gasket on my stock fan sensors on the radiator 
> (stock as well). I noticed that the previous owner did not use gasket 
> sealant. I have a new gasket and wanted to check to see if I should indeed use a 
> sealant and what specific kind.
> 
>>>Permatex makes special RTV for water pump applications; it's gray in 
color and would probably do a fine job here.

Be advised that the sensors are held in place with three tiny nuts on 
studs.   Given their environment and the fact that they leak, it's quite common 
for those nuts to be rusted solid to the studs, which are just brazed to the 
radiator tank.   If you don't take appropriate precautions ahead of time, 
when you try to remove the nut, you'll break the stud off.   So be sure to use 
plenty of anti-rust penetrant and let it soak before trying to remove the 
nuts, if there is even a hint of corrosion there.


> >Also, if I need to replace the sensor, does an aftermarket one exist 
> that I can put in easily install without taking out the radiator and/or 
> altering the rad? I would rather not do that, as my rad has been recor/encased 
> and it cost some $$$.
> 
>>>I know of no aftermarket sensors, but the originals are still available 
and aren't overly expensive.

(They're listed at $25 each on Wilkinson's site)

Presuming that's true, it would be far cheaper to just replace the sensor 
with a new one of the same style, rather than going through the trouble of 
having the radiator modified to accept screw-in sensors.

Dennis Quella sells a bolt-on adapter machined out of aluminum, which lets 
you screw a conventional sensor into the stock location.   It's a bit 
expensive though, and if cost is the only factor, then you're way better off just 
buying a stock sensor.

Mike