Coolant Temperature Sensor HELP!!!

[davidricardo86]

I'll just get to the point, i have 2 12" electric fans wired up to a relay and a control unit which is in turn connected to a Coolant Temperature Sensor. I installed the temp sensor at the top radiator hose after the thermostat. Apparently this isnt the best way to have this setup and want to install the sensor in the intake manifold similar to how the oem CTS is. I want reliable accurate readings.

I used one of those aluminum "tee" that has a threaded port. I had to use adapters in order to increase to the correct thread and diameter size. It was working ok for a short time but now my fans do not turn on because the sensor harness broke and the connection is open. So, i ordered a new sensor and want to redo its location.

I would like to know what other options i have as far as mounting this damn sensor. What did you guys do?

Is there a threaded port on the block or head thats unused that i can utilize for this purpose (for my electric fan coolant temp sensor)?

I wanted to avoid removing the intake manifold, drilling and tapping a new threaded port. I am not getting anywhere and its starting to look like i dont have a choice!

Please help me out on this one. If you've got pictures of your setup show me so i can learn how you did it! Or explain it carefully!

[davidricardo86]

I had an idea.

Remove the the old coolant temp sensor and some how create a "tee" so that i can use the threaded port that the oem sensor uses. Only problem is finding the correct tee and threaded adapters to do this.

I found this kit which seems like the correct threads but not a tee that would allow me to reinstall the oem sensor and the new sensor.

http://prosportgauges.com/metric-adaptor-kit.aspx

[boost_boy]

I had an idea.

Remove the the old coolant temp sensor and some how create a "tee" so that i can use the threaded port that the oem sensor uses. Only problem is finding the correct tee and threaded adapters to do this.

I found this kit which seems like the correct threads but not a tee that would allow me to reinstall the oem sensor and the new sensor.

http://prosportgauges.com/metric-adaptor-kit.aspx

I put the probe/bulb between the cooling fins just underneath the top radiator tank. I've done it too many times and it never fails.

Dee

[float_6969]

There is a drain port on the side of the block under the exhaust manifold IIRC. That should work just fine.

Depending on the size of the sensor, you could also tee it into the hose that comes out of the thermostat housing and runs under the intake.

[davidricardo86]

There is a drain port on the side of the block under the exhaust manifold IIRC. That should work just fine.

Depending on the size of the sensor, you could also tee it into the hose that comes out of the thermostat housing and runs under the intake.

You wouldn't happen to know the thread and pitch of the drain port? I saw that recently in the FSM. Maybe ill just take the plug off and measure it's threads or compare it to something... damn this wouldv'e been a good time to own a thread/pitch gauge.

Otherwise i could have it fit to the radiator itself. I can have a shop weld a bung then screw the sensor into that? I'd say its easier then unintstalling, drilling, and tapping my intake manifold.

I put the probe/bulb between the cooling fins just underneath the top radiator tank. I've done it too many times and it never fails.

Dee

I was thinking about this one but wasnt sure how reliable it would've been (previous replies from members). If youre saying they're reliable then I'll try it out. Seems like the quickest solution.
Modified by davidricardo86 at 12:59 AM 1/19/2010

[float_6969]

I'd put it in the coolant path, but if Dee's tried it and says it works, then I'd trust him.

[sjbsuperman1425]

i thought i had a pic, but i dont. If you are using a sensor type deal you can buy at Autozone or such for around $20, i mounted the sensor on the raditor right below the upper house connection and it works great. Whoever said it wasn't the ideal spot is mistaken in my eyes.

[boost_boy]

What are you using? A bulb type sensor or an actual sensor?

Dee

[rico05]

I drilled and tapped the thermostat housing for a sender for my aftermarket temp gauge. That should work for your needs as well.

[float_6969]

He's not wanting to pull off the intake manifold, although IDK why you'd have to now that I think about it. As long as you have the thermostat housing and thermostat off of it, and just have a shop vac going the whole time you're drilling and tapping, you shouldn't get any shavings in the coolant system.

[rico05]

No Ryan, mine is in the removable housing just after the thermostat. The housing with the 3 bolts that the upper radiator hose clamps to. I know it is on the "open" side of the thermostat, but it works for my needs. As for my e-fan temp probe, I have it just like Dee has his: Jammed between some fins below the end tank at the inlet mouth.

[DALAZ_68]

Depending on the size of the sensor, you could also tee it into the hose that comes out of the thermostat housing and runs under the intake.

THATS EXACTLy what i was thinking to do, but i wont have time till the motor is pulled and rebuilt...for now i just have a bud make me a simple T fitting that hooks up to the lower hose ( i believe were suppose to get temp off the lower hose right ?!)

and he welded 1/8 pt fitting on to it for me and came out perdy, the sensor threads in nicely and is upside down so itll always get proper temps...

im not down for the probe between the fins since my bud had 2 gauges, one external probe between cooling fins and one in a T fitting, only to realize there was about a 10*+ temp difference, could have been due to the location o fthe external probe, i dunno, but id rather play it safe and take temp as close to the block if not within the block if possible...

[float_6969]

My KA had it shoved in the fins of the radiator and ended up overheating. The most ACCURATE reading of the coolant temp is in the housing where the other 2 sensors are. Probably the reason Nissan put them there.

[davidricardo86]

What are you using? A bulb type sensor or an actual sensor?

Dee

I'm using a threaded 3/8th NPT sensor that connects to an adjustable controller. The sensor is threaded into a port, the port is in a "tee" in the upper radiator hose. I'm using two twelve inch fans. Perma-Cool is the manufacturer.

No Ryan, mine is in the removable housing just after the thermostat. The housing with the 3 bolts that the upper radiator hose clamps to. I know it is on the "open" side of the thermostat, but it works for my needs. As for my e-fan temp probe, I have it just like Dee has his: Jammed between some fins below the end tank at the inlet mouth.

How did you drill the hole? What i mean is did you use a drill press? I'm saying this because my outlet is round and thought it'd be hard to drill a straight hole in that at home with a diy drill. Did a shop do it for you? I also wanted to take this route but began searching other options. Thanks for the input.

My KA had it shoved in the fins of the radiator and ended up overheating. The most ACCURATE reading of the coolant temp is in the housing where the other 2 sensors are. Probably the reason Nissan put them there.

I want to try out this fan controller mostly because it uses the OEM Temp Sensor signal. I like that it can control two fans independently and has a manual override. I know its a little expensive but I can afford it.

http://www.frsport.com/DIF-100....html

DIF 10085 Dual Electronic Fan Controller Ver. C. Many vehicles have mechanical clutch fans that can rob the engine of power, or factory electric fans that lack the controls for rapid cool down during heavy use sessions.

DIF's dual fan controller was designed to address these issues by providing automatic controls for two independent fans. Each fan be adjusted to turn on indepedently at a user selectable set point, allowing it to turn on only as necessarily, freeing up horsepower and increasing throttle response!

The DIF fan controller uses factory OEM coolant temperature sensors for precise and accurate temperature control of your electric fans. The controller can be used with dual electric fans or multi-speed fans, providing up to 15A per output, 30A total.



DIF ELECTRONIC DUAL FAN CONTROLLER FEATURES

•Dual integrated relays (15A each relay) to simplify wiring and reduce extra costs & time•Easy and quick installation with all necessary connectors provided.•Manual override input to rapidly cool down engine between track runs.•Uses OEM factory two-wire temperature sensor for precision.•A/C bypass input (+12V) to turn on both fan outputs.•Ignition input (+12V) to turn on / off the unit.•User programmable vehicle make or universal sensor.•Improved cool-down logic with 30 second maximum limit.•Detented rotary switch to prevent accidental adjustment(s).

The DIF Electronic Dual Fan Controller Ver. C features an ALL NEW black anodized brushed aluminum that is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum.

MADE IN THE USA

Vehicle Applications Year Make Model Trim App Notes - Universal - - None This product is a universal product and will work on any vehicle (some modifications may be required).

[sjbsuperman1425]

the best way i'd think would be to use the stock fan relay in the fuse block. And even tho the DIF is pretty baller, its no different than the Carquest thermostat fan controllers, its still a thermistor.

http://www.autozone.com/autozo...=63-0

this along with a relay and fuse are working 100% for me.

[RS12Turbo]

Can you simply just connect the wire from the fan controller sensor's wire into the wire leading from the temp gauge sensor?

I've got a sensor screwed into an adapter placed in the top rad hose...but have been wondering if the above idea would work. I may give it a try and see if the temp gauge sensor will be compatable with the fan controller

[sjbsuperman1425]

are you talking about the fan controller in the link i posted?

[RS12Turbo]

are you talking about the fan controller in the link i posted?

no.....i'm talking about the screw in type sensors like I use and like what David is referring to...not the probe style as in the link you posted

[davidricardo86]

Can you simply just connect the wire from the fan controller sensor's wire into the wire leading from the temp gauge sensor?

I've got a sensor screwed into an adapter placed in the top rad hose...but have been wondering if the above idea would work. I may give it a try and see if the temp gauge sensor will be compatable with the fan controller

I don't think you can because of the difference in resistance, if any. It sure would be nice to just tap into the oem cts signal.

[RS12Turbo]

The brand controller I have they have a version where the temp signal is gotten from the temp gauge wire. It didn't work on mine....something to do with my gauge wire voltage was to low to trigger the controller, so I sent the controller back, and they sent me a new one with the screw in sensor.....anyway, this is on my s12, maybe the s13 gauge wire has a higher voltage?

Here is the brand controller I have........

http://www.centechwire.com/cat...shtml

[bentvalves]

There is a drain port on the side of the block under the exhaust manifold IIRC. That should work just fine.

Depending on the size of the sensor, you could also tee it into the hose that comes out of the thermostat housing and runs under the intake.

I placed a water temperature sensor there once and it lasted about 100 miles. It was a mechanical gauge and I had the wire covered in heat tape and it still couldnt hang, its just too hot under the manifold and next to the turbo.

[zero_gripS13]

i use a t in the rad hose works fine for me... but my fans are turned on my a probe in the radiator under top inlet... the controller kicks on 2 30 amp relays that power my fans works great for me comes on about 190 (adjustable 160-220 or something like that) turns offf at 170. even drifting im never above 190* i dont know why u have so much trouble. i was gona tap the intake mani but i didnt feel like going through the trouble lol.. plus i dont like having a dead gauge on my cluster lol

hers my fan wiring diagram.



the fan controller was like 30$ from jegs.. altima fans...hope it helps