Ok so forgive me for the somewhat long post, but i want to try and explain everything so i have the highest probability of getting the correct information.

I have a 1986 Z28 camaro 305 Carbed.

First off, I Knew my heater core was leaking, my windshield was fogging up, all the signs, but I had other prioritys so i did not replace it.

I had a high idle issue, and I was trying to solve that when the heater core finally gave out, and ruptured, coolant and white smoke everywhere.

IDLE goes up to about 1500-2000, and drops down to normal when i unplug the ECM

I replaced the heater core and the heater hoses...

Now I also took this opportunity to flush the coolant system (since i had drained the radiator for the heater core). I ended up unclamping the lower radiator hose, and letting the coolant out that way. I then put a hose in the top of the thermostat housing and flushed it until the water ran clear. I then put the lower hose and the thermostat housing back on and filled the radiator and started the car.

Now my temp gauge is pegging all the way to the top. Ive done some searching and it looks like there is something on the drivers side between spark plugs that controls the gauge correct?

Is that the Temperature Switch? or Coolant Temp Sensor?

Also, Am i right to replace that part? The green wire appears to be still plugged in...could I have damaged it by flushing the system?

Secondly, Should I replace the switch on the thermostat housing as well? can that affect the idle at all?

Lastly, Is this the same process as the fan switch on the other side of the engine? Will coolant fall out when I get it out? DO i have to drain the coolant system again? Can anyone shed any light on this or tips/tricks before I tackle it?

 

Yes, the sender on the driver side is for your temp gauge. Grounding that wire will peg your gauge so see if that's happening somewhere. Water wouldn't have hurt it, but if you end up removing it, yes water will come out. The CTS on the thermostat housing informs the ECM about the temp

 

so this is what i need?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...&parentId=52-0

 

Yes, try to get an ac delco though cause of the way the wire plugs in.

 

I don't know if you have fixed your idle issue, and I am not sure if a carbed model has one. But if you replace the IAC(idle air control) it should help with your idle issues. Mine was idling around 1400-2000 as well until i replace the IAC. They tend to get stuck open.

 

There is no IAC on a Carb motor.

The switch on the thermostat housing is the Coolant tempreture sensor for the ecm. It can cause idle speed problems when it does not work. If everything is working right turn the idle speed adjustment screw on the drivers side of the carb.