I've got a set of remanufactured 416casting heads. They are on my block, and I've already put the block in, attached quite a bit to it... and started to screw the coolant temp sensors into the heads.

This is an '87 TPI

I got the passenger side rear in fine... then when I went to do the drivers side front... I notice there is a plug in the hole. A square plug for when you don't use that hole.

Well I can't get this plug out?!!? I'm actually starting to strip the sqaure inside of it.

So any ideas more on how to get it out... (besides pulling the engine/trans again!)....

Or can I just run without one? Or maybe run the wire from this one, to join with the coolant temp sensor on the other side of the block? Both sensors are in the head.... just opposite sides?

HELP?!

 

Those can truly be a hassle, if they've been in there the whole life of the motor.

Heat usually works.

Alternatively, you could drill it, with progressively larger drill bits, and re-tap it if necessary.

The one in the driver's side head is the temp gauge sending unit, the one in the pass side head is the fan switch. You can't really run them together, but you may be able to find someplace else to install the gauge unit into that will work OK, like a fitting on the intake mainfold or something. I don't know about TPI having any extra holes just sitting there waiting for you though.

 

Get a wrench that fits the square in the plug.
Heat the plug up with a propane torch while dripping some candle wax into/onto the threads. Get the wax to flow into the threads. This should unseize the plug.
If that doesn't work get a pipe and "T" and make up a T so you can run both sensors off the one side.

 

Nope, the TPI Doesn't.


I use a manual switch to operate my fans anyways, what If I move the gauge unit... over to where the fan switch is? Should that give me the same temp? It's the same threds?

 

It's a square plug that is smaller than 3/8 and bigger than 1/4....

 

Used a 5/32 punch thing.... and a propane torch.... I now have a round hole.... @*($^@(*^#$

 

That is a DAMN GOOD IDEA!

 

I suggest getting it out correctly. I had one in my motor that was a huge PITA. We heated it up and still broke a hardened steel EZ Out in that thing. Ending up drilling, drilling, and tapping. It works good now.