258-6 mechanical water temp

[Jetsetr]

1981 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l 6 looking for the best place in the block/head to place a mechanical water temp sending unit...don’t see anything obvious...

 

[Belizean]

How about in the water jacket of the intank manifold ?

 

[caveman]

Near the back of the head on the drivers side on top. There should be a port for it.

 

[mtnwhlr]

When I did this on the 454 in my truck I used the drain plug on the side of the block. Was the right size and has worked great.

 

[Jetsetr]

Bypassed the water in the intake...port on the back of the head is much too small for a mechanical temp gauge.
Unfortunately haven’t found any plugs or ports big enough for the temp sending unit bulb.

 

[caveman]

My engine has a port on the water neck. It was too small for a temp probe so I redrilled and tapped it to fit. I also had to put a fitting there to set it out a little because the probe was a little too long and hit on the end. I believe the neck came from a 93 Grand cherokee.

 

[toolow]

Just did mine on a 80 CJ7 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . I used the port on the front of the block. Be fore warned that plug is hard to get out. I ended up drilling and tapping.Used a magnet to get the shavings out.

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[toolow]

Autometer also makes a coupler for the top radiator hose with a fitting for the probe. Also there is a thermostat housing from later jeeps that has a port. Not sure of the year.

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[Jetsetr]

Just did mine on a 80 cj7, 258. I used the port on the front of the block. Be fore warned that plug is hard to get out. I ended up drilling and tapping.Used a magnet to get the shavings out.

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Sounds like the best option, where on the front of the engine is it? Haven’t really looked up there for any plugs/ports.
Thanks

 

[toolow]

Here's a picture of the port I used. This picture shows a sender for a electric guage but I used it for my mechanical temp probe.

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[toolow]

Picture of mechanical guage probe. The 1/2 inch plug is hard to get out. After trying heat, an assortment of easy outs and several other methods I drilled it for a 3/8 inch pipe fitting and tapped with 3/8 inch pipe tap. I basically taped the inside walls of the 1/2 inch plug. I then ordered a Autometer 2263 temperature sensor adapter . It cost about $10 on Amazon. Installed it with a little pipe dope and the probe screwed right in and doesn't leak..
I ran my probe lead down and along the frame.
But if you can get the 1/2 inch plug out you wouldn't need all the drilling, tapping, CUSSING or adapter. Most guages coming with a 1/2 inch fitting that screws right in.

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[mtnwhlr]

That's the drain plug I was talking about.