ADvantages disadvantages of running dual coolant temp sensors?
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ADvantages disadvantages of running dual coolant temp sensors?
I ask because I've seen guys convert LT1s over to a single temp sensor so that the gauge reads the same thing the computer does, is there any reason not to do this?
Any thoughts as to why GM chose to have the gauge read from the head and the computer read from the water pump?
Any thoughts as to why GM chose to have the gauge read from the head and the computer read from the water pump?
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,068
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Re: ADvantages disadvantages of running dual coolant temp sensors?
I suggest AGAINST doing that.
Sensor in head goes to gauge, and also sets "check gauges" light if you get too hot. Let’s say your h20 pump goes out. Head is going to get hottest first, not the one in the pump. It will let you know more quickly.
As far as the one in the pump, GM put it there for a reason. The ECM uses temp to control the timing/fueling via the ECM. I would hypothesize that a sensor in the pump is a better estimate of overall average cooling temperature since the pump is there and mixing up the hot and cool molecules. If you run the sensor from the head to feed the ECM, it’s going to be disproportionately hotter (especially at cold start ups) and could cause some running issues.
What would be the benefit? The sensors do go out here and there, but you can check sensor A vs sensor B to find the problem. They are only 8 bucks or something too…
Sensor in head goes to gauge, and also sets "check gauges" light if you get too hot. Let’s say your h20 pump goes out. Head is going to get hottest first, not the one in the pump. It will let you know more quickly.
As far as the one in the pump, GM put it there for a reason. The ECM uses temp to control the timing/fueling via the ECM. I would hypothesize that a sensor in the pump is a better estimate of overall average cooling temperature since the pump is there and mixing up the hot and cool molecules. If you run the sensor from the head to feed the ECM, it’s going to be disproportionately hotter (especially at cold start ups) and could cause some running issues.
What would be the benefit? The sensors do go out here and there, but you can check sensor A vs sensor B to find the problem. They are only 8 bucks or something too…
Last edited by atljar; Jan 16, 2005 at 01:49 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Re: ADvantages disadvantages of running dual coolant temp sensors?
yea, that check gauges light is definately important to be operating
i just had my z for some reason, heat all the way up to 260 really quick when i first took it out (maybe tstat) and i didn't catch it in time, but the check gauges light saved me from having it overheat
so yea, i would also reccommend keeping the duals
better safe than sorry, especially after my episode the other day
i just had my z for some reason, heat all the way up to 260 really quick when i first took it out (maybe tstat) and i didn't catch it in time, but the check gauges light saved me from having it overheat
so yea, i would also reccommend keeping the duals
better safe than sorry, especially after my episode the other day
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From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: ADvantages disadvantages of running dual coolant temp sensors?
If you really want to know exactly what the PCM/water pump coolant temp sensor is reading, get a ScanMaster and set it to display the coolant temp. I've never heard of anyone converting an LT1 to a single temp sensor so the gauge and the PCM read the same. I actually run a third temp sensor, to feed an aftermarket ECU for fuel and timing control, while the stock PCM handles idle, IAC and the emissions gadgets. I can look at all three sensors, and haven't seen any significant differences in the readings.
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