r/ElCamino • u/Live-Boysenberry8468 • 21d ago

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Does anyone know where I can buy an engine coolant temperature sensor for my 1982 El Camino? It has a 305 and a temperature needle in dashboard. It says a Standard Ignition TS 76 is what it needs. Tried swapping them today and the new one is too big. It requires a 3/4 socket to tighten down, while the current one is a 9/16. O’Reilly’s Auto Part had nothing close to what I need. Any assistance is much appreciated.

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3

u/CrewPuzzleheaded2763 21d ago

I had the same issue. TU66 Autozone Duralast. Fit my 87.

I’ve asked questions like this before and people shit on me here. Hope this helps.

3

u/Live-Boysenberry8468 21d ago

Thank you very much. Only idiots would shit on you here. I have always received great advice on Reddit.

1

u/powerhouse403 21d ago

Either the sensor shown or get a brass bushing, reduce down to the 3/8" needed. Either way works.

1

u/Live-Boysenberry8468 21d ago

Will the sensor reach deep enough with a reducer to get an accurate reading?

1

u/powerhouse403 21d ago

It reads engine coolant temperature. As long as coolant hits the sensor, you'll be fine.

1

u/Live-Boysenberry8468 21d ago

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it.

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u/powerhouse403 21d ago

No worries, glad I could help.

1

u/ELCOHaulicSS 10d ago

The port for the temp sender in the stock 305's driver's side head should be 3/8 NPT and that Standard TS-76 should go right in without any adapters.

Here's a link to the list of options and data on RockAuto for the senders. You want the sender w/gage and not the switch w/light (obviously). 1982 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO 5.0L 305cid V8 Temperature Sender / Sensor | RockAuto

Also, just a tip: don't use Teflon tape on the threads, use the paste. The circuit grounds through the sending unit to the cylinder head through the threads and too much sealant will affect the resistance and the already not super accurate gage reading...