North American Turbocoupe Organization

Hi folks,

I am the original owner of my 87 Turbo Coupe and I have launched a project to renovate this car in preparation of giving it to my grandson as a High School graduation present. While looking at what parts to replace (long block, power steering pump, water pump, hoses, belts, etc) I see this rusty part on the firewall. It is a four inch long metal tube between the heater coolant line on the firewall and one of the metal tubes that run along the side of the valve cover. It has a two wire electrical connector cap on it.

After much research the best guess I can come up with is that may be the coolant temp sensor, but when I go looking for a replacement metal tube housing it fits into I can't find anything. What's more when I look for a replacement sensor, the ones I find don't look at all like this one.

Is this the coolant temp sensor and if not, what is it. Any idea on where I can get the sensor and the tubular housing?

All help greatly appreciated...

Randy

I believe you may be correct but a picture of the part would be helpful.
I know some parts for these cars can be difficult or impossible to find, but if it is available then someone here will let you know.

You aren't looking at the A/C dehydrator are you?

Is this the part you are talking about?

It's the coolant temperature switch for the climate control. It's supposed to prevent the heat from coming on until the coolant reaches a certain temperature. AFAIK they are no longer available new, but it is also not a necessary part for the EATC to function.

:withstupid:

Mine doesn't have Electronic A/C controls, so I didn't have that on my TC.

Is the switch (thats right, its an on / off switch, not a "sensor") bad? or just the pipe rotted out? If the pipe is rotted and switch good, a trip to the local plumbing store and, along with a little creativity, you should be able to cobble together a new pipe.

FYI, the switch is open for coolant temps under 100 to 110 deg F, and closes for higher temps. When the switch closes, it enables the EATC blower to turn on. If the switch is bad, jsut short the wires together, and the EATC blower will run whenever heat is called for even if the coolant temp is cold.

Scott, thanks a ton for posting the picture - brand new member and haven't figured how to post pics yet. Yep, that is the exact part.

As far as I can tell the valve itself works fine. I was looking to replace the tube which is corroded badly on the outside. Looks like I will end up having one made or just removing it completely since the electronic climate control does not require it for the system to work.

Randy, remember it isnt a "valve", its just an on / off switch. You can test the switch with an ohm meter, a thermometer, and a pan of water on the stove. Switch in pan of water, ohm meter across terminals. Heat the water. Switch should go from infinite resistance (open circuit) to near zero ohms (closed circuit) when water hits 100 to 110 deg.

If switch ends up being bad, I bet you could find a generic temp switch from McMaster Carr or Granger that would work with some simple mods to the pipe.

May not be able to find one new, but a 91-93 mustang 4 cylinder uses a tube exactly like the one you are looking for. maybe some rangers in that age range as well.