jayrock

Hi guys,

I just recently picked up a 1996 Jeep Cherokee SE (4.0l, AW4, NP231). It in great condition, with only 115,000 original miles, and it has every single service record from 1996 up to 2011. Once I'm able to lift it, I'll probably go more in depth in another thread, but I just have one quick question...

The SE came with the gigantic gas gauge and dummy lights. Naturally, the first thing I did was the gauge swap so I can have a functioning tach, oil pressure gauge, and temp gauge. However, I've ran into a small snag with replacing the temp sender. The old part was removed with a 13mm deep socket, and the new part is 14mm. However, the valve cover is so close to the positioning of the part, that I am unable to get a 14mm deep socket over the temp sender to tighten it down fully. I have hand tightened it best I could, but did not want to overdo it for fear of break the plastic top off the brass bottom, and am unable to get an open ended wrench in there to crank it down any further. Coolant does not appear to be leaking, even after I took it for a short drive, and the gauge is now fully functional, with the standard operating temp fluctuating between 190-200/205ish, but part of me is just really annoyed because I want the part to fit in properly.

What would you recommend I do? Try to find a 13mm temp sender (from either an auto store or junk yard)? Keep driving it and just keep an eye on it to see if it leaks? I don't think it will cause any issues unless it starts leaking, but I wanted to get some other opinions to maybe put my mind at ease.

Here is the part I ordered and a pic of the current fit. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Coolant Temperature Sending Unit Switch OEM Cherokee & Comanche 1992-1996 - OE COOLANT TEMP SENDER SWITCH#56027012

djb383

Crows foot maybe?.....did u apply thread sealer?

http://legacygarage.com/images/Pictu...ows%20foot.JPG

jayrock

Hmm, I'll try the crows feet. Don't have the tools on hand, just had to buy the deep sockets earlier today so I guess it's back to the autozone haha

There was a bit of thread sealer already on the replacement part but I'll grab some more

jayrock

dude, thank you! crows feet worked like a charm

the gauges that i swapped in were from a 5 speed, so i kept getting the shift light while driving down the highway . so i yanked the dash trim off, pulled that bulb, and replaced the rear defrost switch i broke the first time i removed the trim. that thing is seriously a PITA to remove.

anyway, i'll try to lock this thread or whatever, problem solved. thanks again, good sir