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Oil temperature sensor installation question

Discussion in '308/328' started by Spitfire, Apr 1, 2008.

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  1. Spitfire

    Spitfire Formula 3

    Nov 16, 2006
    1,602
    #1 Spitfire, Apr 1, 2008
    As you probably know, the oil temperature sensor doesn't screw in so far that it butts up against a gasket of any kind. So, when you install one of these, do you tend to put a little bit of white teflon tape around the threads, or do you use a dab of Permatex gasket maker, or do you use nothing?

    When I took my old one out as part of the engine sump removal, I think it possibly had a smear of silcone RTV on it, but I can't be certain.

    Thanks as ever.
     
  2. ulf308qv

    ulf308qv Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    100
    Sweden
    Full Name:
    Ulf M
    #2 ulf308qv, Apr 1, 2008
    I can't remeber if the sensor has one or two terminals. If it has one, it will ground through the treads so be careful with sealant. I think it has NPT style treads, so no sealant would be required.

    Maybe someone else can confirm this.
     
  3. Spitfire

    Spitfire Formula 3

    Nov 16, 2006
    1,602
    #3 Spitfire, Apr 1, 2008
    It's a single terminal. I was wondering if the threads are sufficient to seal it without any additional assistance ... they probably are.
     
  4. JohnnyS

    JohnnyS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 19, 2006
    15,280
    Illinois
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    John
    #4 JohnnyS, Apr 1, 2008
    The NPT type threads self seal, so no extra sealant is needed. The threads are tapered to fit well as the unit is tightened in.
     
  5. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,048
    USA
    #5 f355spider, Apr 1, 2008
    +1, but I put thread tape on anyway. And it worked fine too. ;)

    The old Veglia one I removed had some hard, white congealed putty or something on the threads.
     
  6. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
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    Cerritos, CA.
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    #6 miketuason, Apr 1, 2008
    I believe the threaded part of the sensor act as a ground since the the single wire is the the signal wire.

    Make sure it's tight enough that you get good ground contact and don't put too much teflon/sealant as

    this will reduce ground contact and may give you inaccurate reading or no reading at all.
     
  7. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #7 Steve King, Apr 1, 2008
    I always use teflon tape on pipe thread fittings. 1 1/2 wraps and then check with a test light to verify if it is grounded.
     
  8. peter_x

    peter_x Rookie

    Mar 4, 2008
    11
    #8 peter_x, Apr 1, 2008
    If you were to use teflon tape, I think you use the yellow one, which is fuel/oil resistant, not the white one, which is for water.
     

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