ECM Coolant Sensor Seized in Fitting (Page 1/1)
CookesForChrist AUG 14, 06:54 PM
I was going about changing the various coolant sensors - the temp gauge sensor, the fan switch, and the ECM coolant sensor. Everything was peachy-keen until I took out the ECM coolant sensor. It came out with an attached fitting, and it appears to be seized in that fitting. I can not for the life of me separate them. What do I do? I don't want to just put the old sensor back in - I know it wasn't working right. And I do not know how to find a replacement part for the fitting. Any ideas? Thank you and God bless!
pmbrunelle AUG 14, 07:08 PM
It's a standard brass pipe reducer bushing.

The inside is 3/8" NPT for the sensor.

The outside is also NPT, but I don't remember the size off-hand.

You should be able to find this at Home Depot.

I suggest you bring your old part in for matching purposes.

Seal the outside with teflon tape or pipe dope.
Spoon AUG 14, 10:13 PM
Make sure you get a brass fitting. Forget about steel or aluminum. Plastic could be even worse!!

Spoon


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fierofool AUG 14, 10:51 PM
I've had that happen a couple of times. A pipe wrench on the reducer and a socket on the sensor has always done the trick for me. Didn't work for you?
theogre AUG 14, 11:50 PM
Buying is good but may not be easy to find in some areas.

Heat the adapter a little may help. Focus all heat to the adapter.
Put a vise etc on ECT to heat sink the sensor. Heavy tight metal contact can help to slow down heating this.

Heat should quickly expand the adapter more then the sensor. Then should spin off fairly easy.

I use non-drying pipe dope w/ Teflon to install most coolant fittings.
Do Not over tighten any sensors or fittings!
All Thread sealers act as lube when tightening and easily wreck the adapters and intake. I've seen cast iron parts including blocks and heads crack or break for over tightening NPT sensors and fittings.
I put them in hand or finger tight (depends on size of part) then tighten w/ a wrench only a bit. often <1/2 to ~1 turn more again depending on size of part for cars. (Most sensor etc for cars are or under 1/2" NPT.)

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CookesForChrist AUG 15, 02:43 PM
Thank you, guys, for all your help! I was able to find a brass bushing that was an almost exact match in a local hardware store - in the plumbing section. 1/2 in. male - 3/8 in. female. $3. Everything fits snugly. No leaks. I never would have guessed it.