Topic: Temperature senders

[WT8095]

Searching the forums turned up very little discussion of temperature senders. I'd like to share information I've got for one, and invite others to contribute to the knowledge base.

The sender in the photo is from a 390GT motor that was tagged with a "322" code (M/T + thermactor) and dated "7M" (Dec 67). It is stamped "AUTOLITE   260   7M". It's still in as-found condition; I plan to clean it up this spring and post an updated photo.

It reads around 440 ohms at room temperature. I have not yet tested it in hot water to determine if it is fully functional, but it does drop to around 320 ohms when I hold it for awhile.

[J_Speegle]

Guessing  (just chancing lose ends this was a 68 S code engine

[WT8095]

Guessing  (just chancing lose ends this was a 68 S code engine

Correct. Also, I corrected my original post - "322" was the tag code for M/T, not A/T as I originally stated. Shouldn't affect the temp sender, but I like to be as accurate as I can!

[Brian Conway]

Dave I did a bit of research when looking for the correct unit for my 69 428 car.  I did get and install an NOS Autolite unit.  Vcode posted, on another site, the MPC page I used as a resource.  Brian

[midlife]

Searching the forums turned up very little discussion of temperature senders. I'd like to share information I've got for one, and invite others to contribute to the knowledge base.

The sender in the photo is from a 390GT motor that was tagged with a "322" code (M/T + thermactor) and dated "7M" (Dec 67). It is stamped "AUTOLITE   260   7M". It's still in as-found condition; I plan to clean it up this spring and post an updated photo.

It reads around 440 ohms at room temperature. I have not yet tested it in hot water to determine if it is fully functional, but it does drop to around 320 ohms when I hold it for awhile.

440 ohms at room temperature seems awfully high.  I thought all Ford sending units for gauges during the vintage time period were the 13-73 ohm variety.  When did Ford change sending unit resistance ranges?

If this is for an indicator light vehicle, then nevermind my comments.

[WT8095]

440 ohms at room temperature seems awfully high.  I thought all Ford sending units for gauges during the vintage time period were the 13-73 ohm variety.  When did Ford change sending unit resistance ranges?

If this is for an indicator light vehicle, then nevermind my comments.

Good questions! It's possible this unit is not functioning correctly. In addition to a checking resistance in hot water, I'll wire it up to the gauge and a bench supply to see if it functions. (My car is not together so I can't check it in the full circuit)

I'll also see what I can find out about resistance ranges for senders.

[WT8095]

Dave I did a bit of research when looking for the correct unit for my 69 428 car.  I did get and install an NOS Autolite unit.  Vcode posted, on another site, the MPC page I used as a resource.  Brian

Nice find!

[Brian Conway]

Some readings I took on my sending unit.  69, 4 speed, tach with warning lights.  Brian

[196667Bob]

Attached is a picture of the sending unit from my November 22, 1965 scheduled build 1966 C code 66 Coupe. Note that it has the capital "F" (Ford) script with the number "260" below it. It takes an 11/16" socket. I measured its resistance at 34.1 ohms. I found this exact same sending unit on a 4bbl intake manifold that I  have from an engine built in January of 1966.

Bob

[196667Bob]

I had a chance last week to check the sending unit on my January 31, 1967, Dearborn built C Code last week. It's the same size as the one on my '66 (3/8" PT, takes 11/16" socket), is also stamped "260", but also "7A' after that (which coincides with my build date). However, instead of the script "F", it is stamped "AUTOLITE". I of course forgot to measure its resistance - next trip.

I also had a 4bbl intake that I checked out. It is earlier (intake is cast "C40E-B) as it has a sending unit with 1/8" PT, that takes a 1/2" socket. The sending unit appears to be an aftermarket (no "F", FoMoCo or "Autolite" on it), so I didn't investigate it any further.

Bob

[WT8095]

I had a chance last week to check the sending unit on my January 31, 1967, Dearborn built C Code last week.

Nice pics, Bob. I like how the hex flats have visible draw marks - the housing was machined from hexagonal bar stock, and the flats are just the unmachined surfaces of the raw stock. One of those little telltale details that reveal how something was made.

[196667Bob]

Dave : Thanks ! Only people like you and me would appreciate that.

Bob

[WT8095]

Dave : Thanks ! Only people like you and me would appreciate that.

Bob

I'm not sure we should brag about that     You might like the coil bracket photos I just uploaded: http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=548;u=2735   I got some closeup shots of various tooling marks. Not that anyone is going to try to reproduce parts to that level of detail, it's just to show how the pieces were made.

[196667Bob]

Dave : Yes, nice pictures of the Coil Bracket. Don't you just love the detail that the "macro" on these digital cameras can capture ?   It's so good, that one can almost picture (pun intended) how something was made.

Bob                                                                   

[preaction]

Many of these parts came from the hands of tool and die makers for which I served an apprenticeship and the skills I learned then have lasted a lifetime and have been in valueable to me with this hobby. So I also appreciate the attention to detail.