T_ypEr

I was changing the coolant temp. sending unit on a 1992 Civic LX sedan and was tightening down the new one when it snapped!! I have done everything right so far: negative terminal removed from battery, #1 cylinder at Top Dead Center, spark plugs out, appropriate wiring harnesses detached, distributor removed, pan under car to catch coolant and/or oil from cylinder head, paper towels under slot for coolant Temp. sending unit. And BAM, it snaps.

What happened is it got a bit tight and I checked how far in it was, seeing that there were still some threads exposed. So I figured that it needed to go in farther. Unfortunately, I have a Haynes manual and it didn't say anything specific about tightening it or when to stop. It just said to get it in quickly before I lost a lot of coolant. All that's exposed is the little spring inside of the unit; there's none of the outer part exposed at all. What should I do to get it out safely with as little damage possible to the engine?

pityocamptes

Well if there is NOTHING you can grab onto, your going to have to drill a small pilot hole into the body (sending unit), WITHOUT DAMAGING the block and then use an extractor to pull it out - same method for pulling snapped bolts.

pityocamptes

Also, keep in mind that most, if not all "plumbing" type fixtures or senders on the block have tappered bodies. Even if you see threads don't torque the **** out of it until you bottom it out. Just snug it up so it does not leak, etc. The other thing is that block is aluminum, so be careful tightening things down, or you will find your self using coil inserts...

T_ypEr

Thanks!! I didn't know the unit was tapered, so I'll remember that for next time. Also, what's left of the unit in the block is hollow, so luckily I don't have to try to drill a hole. Thanks for the super fast reply!! Much appreciated!

pityocamptes

If its hollow try to find an extractor bit that will fit that size. Usually they are left handed threads so that when you tighten the extractor the bolt or in your case the sensor which is right handed threads will come out.

wudini

i've done this before on a D16Z6. had to drill it out and retap the block.