So, I'm right in the middle of header installation on my '87 Trans Am 305 TPI, and I've run into a hitch. I got the passenger side on last night, but there is a sensor in the side of the block, and I broke off the tip that holds the wiring clip on. The part where the wire goes in is still there, and I can still hook up the wire, but now there is nothing there to hold it on. However, I have a worse problem. The wiring clip now leaves the sensor very close to the header tube, and the sending unit wire contacts the tube right after it leaves the clip holding it to the sensor.

Here's my questions.

1. Can I just glue the wiring clip to the sensor so it won't fall off?
2. If so, how do I keep the wire from contacting the tube, it literally comes straight out into it.
3. Is there another type of sensor that connects in a different way which would clear the headers?
4. The driver's side looks like it has more space. Could I just wire both sensors in on the same side?

Thanks for the help in advance. As I understand it, these sensors control the electric fans, and are thus, quite necessary.

-Levi

 

Are the sensors in the heads or block?

If the sensor is in the head, it is a coolant sensor. I keep forgetting which side is which, but one side is the coolant fan switch, the other side is the coolant temp guage sending unit.

If the sensor is in the block (passenger side) it is the knock sensor.

If it is one of the coolant sensors (in the head), the head port can be capped, and you can relocate the sensor anywhere in the coolant system (other than right out of the radiator). I had to relocate my sensors (in the heads), I got a brass 3-way female tee (from any parts store), put (2) male threaded hose adapters and the sensor in the tee, then just put it inline to the heater bypass hose. I didn't even have to extend the wiring. If you did break the harness that connects to the sensor, I would spend the extra few bucks to get a new pigtail to splice in.