88 760 coolant temp sensor not the same size?

dosmainframe · Post by **dosmainframe** » 11 May 2012, 18:15

Hi I can't figure out what I'm missing here I need to change my coolant temp sensor on my 88 760 turbo, I used a 19mm deep socket to get the old sensor out, at which point the coolant came flooding out of my car, I immediately grabbed my new coolant temp sensor that has teflon tape on it BOSCH PART 0280130026 that I bought off of FCPGROTON I verified and cross referenced 2 different sites to make sure this was the right one I needed, I immediately noticed that this unit has smaller clips for the electric wires to connect too, the original is round and these are flat rectangle, after I tried in vain to plug this new small coolant temp sensor in there it was obvious this is not the same size Am I missing something according to every site out there this should fit my car but when I try to put it in there it just spins and spins I feel like such a sucker I bought this and it's the wrong size. what should I do?

dosmainframe · Post by **dosmainframe** » 11 May 2012, 20:34

Well after much research and calling into FCP's customer service line I did indeed buy the wrong part, which is what they advertised as the appropriate part for my car! freaking worthless oh well that's $19.00 I'll never see again, anyone need a brand new coolant temp sensor at fire sell prices? APPARENTLY I was suppose to buy a part # 1362645 which they call WATER TEMPERATURE SENDER. OF COURSE THEY DO!!!! anyways I guess I just gotta bite the bullet and buy this new part lesson learned hopefully if anyone runs into a similar situation they can read this and realize that the ECT is also called a water temperature sender sensor and not get screwed over the way I did.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 May 2012, 20:37

The coolant temps sensor for the fuel injection system is back between intake runners 3 and 4 on head and has two flat small blades in a rectangular connector body.
The one for the gauge on dash is at front of head behind thermostat and has a D shaped plastic body with two round pins.
The gauge sensor has a larger threaded shank where it fits in cylinder head.
Are you repairing bad temp gauge or fixing a running problem?

dosmainframe · Post by **dosmainframe** » 12 May 2012, 17:41

Well honestly I did not know that I thought there was only one sensor, since I bought this car the temp gauge has been broken it worked intermediately and eventually just stopped outright, after reading up on this site I thought by replacing it, it would fix the problem, also I've been having a major issue with my car surging at idle like it's gasping for fuel I've been searching for vacuum leaks I've replaced a ton of items including maf, plugs wires o2 sensor removed hot air piping and stove replaced fuel filter and main fuel pump all in vain to get this car to work, I read that the temperature sensor can cause a surging at idle if it is broken, I just had no idea that there were 2 separate sensors in the car so I also knew atleast the sensor for the gauge has been broken all along let me ask you this I have really tried since yesterday but it was a b!#$ trying to get the temp sensor out, can you access the actual coolant temp sensor in the engine block between runners 3 and 4 without taking off the intake? I recently replaced the intake manifold gasket I'd hate to have to do it again.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 12 May 2012, 21:56

Yes, you can access the engine temp sensor located between 3rd and 4th runner with out removing the intake. I have done this several times.