Need help replacing coolant temp sensor

[E30andy]

Hey Guys,

I’m trying to figure out how to get a socket on the blue top coolant temp sensor that I am trying to replace on my 89ix.

The brown top sensor was easy, but the blue top is at a weird angle and tougher to get to, and I’m struggling to figure out how to remove it.

Any help is appreciated as always!

Andy

[ttrousdell]

Cant get it with a combination wrench, deep socket and universal joint extension?

[MrBurgundy]

If you take the brown one out, you should be able to hit it with a wrench. It might be a weird angle, but you'll get a wrench around it well enough to not worry about fucking it up.

[ForcedFirebird]

I use a 1/2" drive 19mm normal depth socket and a wobble extension or a 3/8" drive crow's foot (most brands are too fat though).

[E30andy]

My 19” deep 1/2” drive socket didn’t leave enough room for the socket wrench. The fuel rail and injector are in the way. Maybe a 3/8 or 1/4 drive deep 19mm socket will allow a little more room to attach a socket wrench??

Forced Firebid: not sure how you got a non-deep socket over the electrical connector? I guess I could break off the electrical connector. That would give me a clear shot at it.

MrBurgundy: didn’t try a wrench as the sensor sits deep in a well and I can see any way a wrench will get to it

[D.Martijn]

I removed the fuel rail wire harness which just pulls off the injectors. This gave me enough place to get to the sensor with a deep socket and extension.

[ForcedFirebird]

Is it a 12 point maybe? Not sure, but mine catches about 3/4 of the brass hex when it's on there with the sensor intact. You can't really get the extension on there squarely, but that sensor has very little torque on it. If you can get a socket to catch the brass, you probably could even use pliers to turn the socket.

[E30andy]

Ok thanks for the input guys. Gonna work on it this afternoon.

[E30andy]

Got it, thanks D. Martijn! Lifting the fuel rail was all it took to give me the space to remove it. Thanks guys!

[D.Martijn]

Got it, thanks D. Martijn! Lifting the fuel rail was all it took to give me the space to remove it. Thanks guys!

No problem, took me a while to figure out too :)