water temperature sender removal?

[Chris Simenstad]

My gauge is working intermittently, and I checked all connections. It's the original Stewart Warner gauge, and I think it's just shot.

I plan on removing the gauge and the temp sender and replacing both.

One hesitation I have is getting the sending gauge out of the head. I assume it'll be fused. Any tips on safely getting the sending unit out of the head?

We are in prime sailing season and I don't want to lose too much time!

Thanks for any suggestions,
Chris

[Dave Neptune]

Chris, most all sender threaded bodies are brass so it should not be stuck at all.

Dave Neptune

[JOHN COOKSON]

If the engine is running run it until it gets up to fully warmed up temp then while the engine is still running attempt to loosen the sending unit. The heat + vibration will help persuade the sending unit to loosen.
Do not go after the sending unit with an open end wrench. You will only round the soft brass. I had good luck with a closed end wrench and a hammer. A decent socket should work also.

TRUE GRIT

[ndutton]

A decent socket should work also.

Six point.

[Clucas]

Six point.

Yup. That ^^

[Wisakedjack]

I had similar experience on my boat. I discovered that sender had teflon tape on it when it was installed. I got it working again by just removing the tape and reinstalling again. This is because threaded connection serves as a ground for the sender unit. Hope this may help.

[Chris Simenstad]

Was easy to pull the old sender; I used a quality society, and once it turned a bit it came right out. Replaced both the sender and gauge and now I can read the temperature without the gauge flickering.