Gauge sender.

[freddy48]

I need a little help here, I just replaced the engine in my 90 Festy with a rebuilt motor out of an 88. everything switched over (intake, exhaust, AC etc...) except the temp gauge sender will not fit in the head, there is a plug there but the thread size is different. Is there a different sender on the 88 head than the 90? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Scott

[jawja jim]

IIRC the unit in the head is the fan switch and it is pipe thread. Gauge sending unit is in the thermostat housing.

[freddy48]

jawa jim,The sender in my t-stat housing is for the fan, (when I unplug it the fan comes on) and my temp gauge does not work.

[Damkid]

Moved to the proper section

Sounds strange that the threads would be different, are you sure they're not damaged?

Or just splice the connector over as an easy fix

[Damkid]

IIRC the unit in the head is the fan switch and it is pipe thread. Gauge sending unit is in the thermostat housing.

Yup as stated, you got it backwards

[jawja jim]

Thanks for straightening me out, then, guys. Guess I didn't RC, not the first time and probably not the last. At least y'all got him straight.

[Damkid]

All good buddy lol

[freddy48]

Threads are good as the bolt (plug) screws in fine. The sender is to big for the hole. I have a buddy with an 88 I sold him a few years ago, I am going over to check his out and see if it is a different size sender than the one from the 90.

[jawja jim]

I guess karma is in play. I took my daughters car to the store last night and noticed the temp gauge not working. I least I know what wire to wiggle, when it warms up a little more. I did notice on Rockauto last night that the gauge senders listed do not all say the same years when the part numbers are clicked. Some say 88-92, some 89-93, some generic Ford 88-96. One on the 88 listing says 88-89. I know that not all parts from my 89 work for my 92, but mostly non-engine, interior stuff, so I'll leave that for for the more knowledgeable here.

[WmWatt]

Hardware stores often have bolt guages mounted to the shelf. Maybe you could take your senosrs to one and see what they fit. They actually have nuts welded on so you can try screwing bolts, or in your case senors, in different guages and threads.