Hey guys, I'm cleaning my wire connections on my '96, 4.0 Manual Trans and I came across this little guy on the back right of the engine block, just next to the valve head cover. It looked to me like it was just glued into the engine block with some rubber gasket material, and wiggling it around was very easy to do. I noticed a crack in the sealant and pulled a bit, and the sensor came completely out. Turns out it was actually a styrofoam-like material that it was seated in, like that spray foam sealing/insulation stuff that expands and gets hard when it dries.

My guess is that this is a temperature sensor, but does anyone know for sure? Also, how should it be properly secured? Pics would be fantastic. I get a crank no start with this connection undone, so it seems critical. Thanks for any input.

 

temp

 

that's the temp sender, not sensor (which is located in/on the thermostat housing) and I think it's broken that's why it looks so weird. it only controls the dash temperature gauge so you don't have to rush to fix it, but it's still a pretty inexpensive part.

usually looks like this

 

Like said, temp sender for the dash. (and it's on the left). One type for a temp light and another for a gauge. I had thought that business moved to the T-stat housing closer to 94. In any case be very careful to not strip the thing getting it out. (the HEX) it's in a tough spot and if it gets boogered you have a problem. Maybe spray it a bit ahead of time...might be 11/16", (same as 11mm) Hex, with NPT pipe thread. Looks like yours could come out without a deep well, but you might like having one to install the new. If you are picking one up consider a 6 point to help guarantee you get the old one out OK