I've pretty much diagnoised my problem to a bad temp sender. I've ordered the sender. When I go to install it do I need to use some sort of thread tape?
I called around to a couple of local Marina's and I'm getting mixed reviews on using a gasket sealer or not. Seeing the sender works from grounding, why would you want anything between the sender and the block? Also, I've heard the threads are tappered so they seal themselves. Can someone please confirm?
in theory, they will seal thenselves, but we all know better than to trust theory. i used loctite 592(think thats the right number) which is basically liquid teflon tape. but then i'm also having issues with my temp gauge. i don't believe it is from the pipe dope though.
any thoughts from the pro's?
I used sealer on mine and the temp gauge read hotter after install. Read somewhere not to use sealer. Removed sender and cleaned threads on sender and in housing and temp read normally again. My 2 cents.
Here is what I've found when searching for install tips on the internet.
"Should I use sealant or Teflon tape on the threads of my sender?
Do not use sealant (including Teflon tape or plumbers pipe dope) on the threads of temperature or pressure senders. This will not allow the sender to properly ground itself to the engine and will cause the temperature to register high and the pressure to register low. This does not include floating ground senders which include a second terminal specifically for grounding."
Sounds like you should NOT use any type of sealant.
Let's put it this way, I use a small amount of Permatex or perfect seal on everyone I have ever done, and I do about 1 or 2 dozen a year, and have had no problems at all.
I think the key is Small amount Don. I also bet you only put it on the threads towards the very back of the sender, so it is still able to ground fine on the front threads. This is the way that I would do it if it were me.
Let's put it this way, I use a small amount of Permatex or perfect seal on everyone I have ever done, and I do about 1 or 2 dozen a year, and have had no problems at all.
I think the key is Small amount Don. I also bet you only put it on the threads towards the very back of the sender, so it is still able to ground fine on the front threads. This is the way that I would do it if it were me.
