Coolant temp sensor replaced

2005-08-27 00:00:00

A faulty coolant tempterature sensor can cause all manor of problems to the running of the engine. As the sensor is cheap and simple to fit, it makes sense to replace it when trying to eliminate problems.

This is exactly what i did today. The orignal sensor is a Lucas item with part numbrt SNB802. Unfortunately, it is a very tricky part to get hold of. Thankfully, Intermotor make a direct replacement sensor and its part number is 55128. Whereas the Lucas sensor has a mostly plastic casing, the Intermotor is much better quality being made out of brass. It cost £5 from a local motor factor

Fitting should be straightforward. Just disconnect the wires from the sensor which is found near the distributor, unscrew it with a spanner or deep socket, and replace with the new part. The difficulty i faced was removing the original sensor as it had been securely held in place with a large amount of sealant. It was locked in place so tight that the spanner quickly wore the faces off the integral nut and i had to resort to using a set of mole grips. After a lot of effor the Lucas part came free and the brass Intermotor version was threaded in place.

Unfortunately, the part has not had any effect on the running of the car. The misfire still seems to exist. At least it is another part eliminated and it was only cheap.