vg30i TBI eng. temp. sensor

[greaseball]

I am getting a code 13, so I am looking at replacing the engine temp. sensor.

To reach that thing, is it really neccisary to remove the front of the engine?

[mtcookson]

If its the older style with the cylinder head temp sensor you can sometimes get it off of there by just taking the water pump pulley off. The socket won't fully be on the sensor but should be enough to get it loose. When I changed mine the only other thing off was the top timing belt cover.

[greaseball]

The truck is a 1988 KC SE-V6. It has the throttle body injection; this is the model with the sensor that is "buried". Is this the engine that you are talking about?

[mtcookson]

I'm pretty sure they would use the same sensor setup in that engine. I've not got to see one of those first hand yet, but the rest of the VG's of that era had the cylinder head temp sensor in the left head (driver's side) behind the timing belt cover and kind of below the distributor.

[greaseball]

To say that it is below the distributor, is putting it nicely. Your right though, it's on the front of the left head, well below everything.

What I see is a plastic electrical connector, secured in place with a wire clip. Getting to that clip might be tricky.

[mtcookson]

Yeah, that clip is probably the worst part depending on which way the connector is on there. A couple long flat head screw drivers with thin tips will definitely help. I can't remember off hand if its a straight clip or more of the locking type clips. If its the straight type it won't be quite as bad as you can just use both screw drivers to slide it out.

[greaseball]

mtcookson,

Thanks for the advice.

I pulled the AC drive belt, and it's tensioner pulley (it's attached to a large bracket).

A deep 3/4" socket with a 1/2"drive, fit onto the sensor just enough. The drive barley fits into the socket, but again, just enough.

Thanks, greaseball

[mtcookson]

Yeah, I just started working on the Z31 again and forgot about that bracket.

I found that one of the replacement sensors are a bit different than OEM. I got it from Oreilly Auto Parts and the plug is a little taller than the stock sensor making it a bit harder to get in there. I can't remember the brand off hand but that's definitely something I would check.