Temperature sensor

I had the misfortune to have a punctured radiator on only the second day of ownership, on the way to work.We limped very slowly to the car park, with the engine hot but still running normally. The garage had the radiator recored for me, and the engine seems none the worse for getting a bit warm. However, on the first decent run afterwards, the temp warning light came on again, and stayed on the rest of the day. The engine wasn't hot - I could put my hand on the top cover, though not for long. Coolant was present, I stopped after the light came on, waited 5 minutes and risked taking the radiator cap - nothing happened, it wasn't boiling. Anyway The garage and I concluded the sensor had fried, and they got me a new one. I volunteered to fit it, meant less messing about booking in the shop. The light came on again today, so I got home, went upstairs to get my thermometer and new sensor. The temperature of the head and sensor was only a little over 60 degC. Hardly overheating!

Anyhow, in the (unlikely) event you have to change one - it's easy. Probably the most accessible part on the engine! Here is the new one. It says on the hexagon section 6G15 D 115.

You can't see here but the bit in my thumb has a smooth domed end of what looks like solder. You'll need to pull the connector off the top of the old one and use a 14mm spanner to slacken it. TIP: take the radiator cap off. This makes sure water comes out of the sensor hole instead of air going in. Put your finger over the hole while you swap the sensors and you should only lose an eggcup of water.

See how much room to work?

New one refitted, tightened and reconnected. Note the solder on the end of the old one looks melted and is showing a wire-like object. A run out to the coast with the heater fan not running (to keep the engine hot) failed to light the warning light, which is as it should be. Phew! The old sensor says 8C24 D 115 and I suspect the "115" is 115 degC.

Aixam

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