Engine Coolant and Temp Gauge Sensor - Infamous Nissan

Jason Bourne · 12-29-2021, 04:31 PM

I’m going to be replacing my engine coolant temp sensor and temp gauge sensor. I’m not sure if any sealant should be applied to the threads to prevent leaking. The coolant sensor does come with a copper washer. The temp gauge sensor doesn’t have any washer.

What does everyone think? Do they need sealant on the threads? If so what kind of sealant should be used.

PorknBeans · 12-29-2021, 04:37 PM

I’ve never used any sealant or gasket maker on either one…

It’s a plug ‘n’ play part.

OldGreyBeast · 12-29-2021, 05:50 PM

I don't have any sealer or a crush washer on my temp sensor either.

LugNut1990 · 12-29-2021, 06:29 PM

For screw-in senders, I use a dab of Permatex #2, making sure to keep the business-portion of the sensor clean/clear.

Jason Bourne · 12-29-2021, 06:31 PM

Thanks for everyone’s response.

I managed to lose the U square paper clip like holder for the engine coolant sensor connector. Anyone know a part number for that?

SBJ · 12-29-2021, 07:04 PM

I've lost several of those over the years. You can make a new one out of a paper clip.

Jason Bourne · 12-30-2021, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBJ

I've lost several of those over the years. You can make a new one out of a paper clip.

Thanks for the tip. I actually got lucky and found it. I started the truck up and it must have shaken loose because I found it on the floor beneath.

Jordanbsg · 12-30-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Bourne

I’m going to be replacing my engine coolant temp sensor and temp gauge sensor. I’m not sure if any sealant should be applied to the threads to prevent leaking. The coolant sensor does come with a copper washer. The temp gauge sensor doesn’t have any washer.

What does everyone think? Do they need sealant on the threads? If so what kind of sealant should be used.

Hi, new to the site! My temp gauge on my 96 V6 is not working. Where did you get the new parts from ? Looking to replace mine as well in the near future.

Jason Bourne · 01-05-2022, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordanbsg

Hi, new to the site! My temp gauge on my 96 V6 is not working. Where did you get the new parts from ? Looking to replace mine as well in the near future.

I got both the temp gauge sensor and ECU coolant temp sensor from Rock Auto but I had issues with both. The one for the gauge didn't work at all. The computer threw a code for the coolant sensor. Maybe I just got unlucky. But I ended up putting my old ones back in. The gauge worked before it just showed low when heated up. My original coolant sensor never threw a code I was replacing it because I thought it might have been bad for another issue I was having. I tested my old coolant sensor before reinstalling and it tested good.

I would test your gauge sensor circuit before replacing the sensor to make sure you don't have a problem there. The gauge temp sensor only has one wire. Unplug the wire from the sensor and rig up some wire to connect it to chassis ground. When that wire is grounded your gauge should be pegged past hot on the gauge.

PorknBeans · 12-30-2021, 05:56 PM

rockauto.com is the preferred supplier…

12-29-2021, 04:31 PM	#1
Jason Bourne Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: TX Posts: 107 Vehicle: 1993 Nissan D21 2WD 2.4L 5 speed MT Thanks: 51 Thanked 22 Times in 16 Posts	Engine Coolant and Temp Gauge Sensor I’m going to be replacing my engine coolant temp sensor and temp gauge sensor. I’m not sure if any sealant should be applied to the threads to prevent leaking. The coolant sensor does come with a copper washer. The temp gauge sensor doesn’t have any washer. What does everyone think? Do they need sealant on the threads? If so what kind of sealant should be used.

12-29-2021, 05:50 PM	#3
OldGreyBeast 1986.5 HB 4x4 3.0V6 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North AL Age: 34 Posts: 4,088 Vehicle: '86.5 Nissan D21, '87 Mercedes 190D Turbo, '10 Mercedes E350 AWD, '16 Suzuki GSXS1000 Thanks: 425 Thanked 540 Times in 464 Posts	I don't have any sealer or a crush washer on my temp sensor either. __________________ Build log for the Beast - https://beastbuildlog.blogspot.com - Last Updated 8 MAR 2021 1986.5 FSM GI section - https://imgur.com/gallery/mjT18bV

12-29-2021, 06:29 PM	#4
LugNut1990 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: N.E. Kansas Posts: 922 Vehicle: 1990 Nissan Hardbody Thanks: 0 Thanked 141 Times in 122 Posts	For screw-in senders, I use a dab of Permatex #2, making sure to keep the business-portion of the sensor clean/clear. __________________ Original owner 1990 Nissan Hardbody, Aztec Red Standard cab, 4x4, KA24E, 5-speed Intentionally near-stock Mods: Second OEM horn, stereo/speakers/sub, mud and snow tires, HD trailer hitch (cat 3+), liquid bed liner, G1W dashcam Definitely not for sale! Last edited by LugNut1990; 12-30-2021 at 03:48 AM.

12-30-2021, 05:56 PM	#10
PorknBeans Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Where I can see the air I breathe... Posts: 781 Vehicle: 1997 XE King Cab with 3 pedals, KA24E & 2WD, Y’all Thanks: 82 Thanked 235 Times in 195 Posts	rockauto.com is the preferred supplier… __________________

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12-29-2021, 04:37 PM	#2
PorknBeans Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Where I can see the air I breathe... Posts: 781 Vehicle: 1997 XE King Cab with 3 pedals, KA24E & 2WD, Y’all Thanks: 82 Thanked 235 Times in 195 Posts	I’ve never used any sealant or gasket maker on either one… It’s a plug ‘n’ play part. __________________

12-29-2021, 06:31 PM	#5
Jason Bourne Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: TX Posts: 107 Vehicle: 1993 Nissan D21 2WD 2.4L 5 speed MT Thanks: 51 Thanked 22 Times in 16 Posts	Thanks for everyone’s response. I managed to lose the U square paper clip like holder for the engine coolant sensor connector. Anyone know a part number for that?

12-29-2021, 07:04 PM	#6
SBJ Total Buzzkill Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: OR Posts: 3,115 Vehicle: '90 D21 4cyl 5spd 2wd Thanks: 347 Thanked 595 Times in 529 Posts	I've lost several of those over the years. You can make a new one out of a paper clip.