tep guage replacement(Ford 801)

mjccnc · Oct 19, 2013

new temp guage. Cant seem to get the brass nut tighten all the way down.
cant seem to get a good grip on the nut to screw tight.Has anyone changed this on a 61 ford 801? if so what type of wrench was used?

Ken Crisman · Oct 19, 2013

Use a 1/4"drive deep well socket w ratchet or a hollow shaft socket handle . A lot of the socket handles made have a solid shaft . But the better ones have a hollow shaft for jobs like you have . HTH ! God nbless , Ken

Bob · Oct 19, 2013

HOW the heck is he gonna get the socket, not to mention the hollow ratchet, to pass over the 2"+ gauge, to get to the other end where the nut is as it is a sealed capillary tube unit???

JMOR · Oct 19, 2013

(quoted from post at 11:35:01 10/19/13) HOW the heck is he gonna get the socket, not to mention the hollow ratchet, to pass over the 2"+ gauge, to get to the other end where the nut is as it is a sealed capillary tube unit???

ounds like he might need a lot of K-Y, Astro-glide or something....maybe Crisco. :lol:

john in la · Oct 19, 2013

First you need to clean the threads and seat very well in the head.
Next install the bulb and screw the jam fitting into the head.
Now tighten with a flare nut wrench. Do not use a regular wrench you will round off the brass nut corners.
You may have to take off the battery box to get good access. A flare nut crow's foot works but is a big expense for one job when you can just remove the battery box.

Now for the bad news.........
Many have complained they can not get the bulb tight enough to stop leaks even following the above instructions.
For some it was they got the wrong gauge (bulb length) and it was hitting inside the head before it got tight.
For some they could get it tight but not stop the small leak.
Was this caused from pitting in the head seat; wrong angle cut on the aftermarket gauge bulb?
I really do not know as I have never had this problem.
As a cure some have reported using a o-ring; Teflon tape; or a nylon washer to compensate for differences in the bulb seat and the head seat.

Ken Crisman · Oct 19, 2013

Have you not heard of or used a universal joint on a socket ? But I guess I forgot to mention that he may need to use a 1/4" universal joint on the socket .I managed the same installation with some patience . God bless, Ken

JD Seller · Oct 19, 2013

Ken I have a question for you. Are you talking about the gauge in the dash??? That is the only thing that a 1/4 socket would work on this temperature gauge.

mjccnc is having an issue getting the brass fitting to seal in the cylinder head. That takes a flare wrench or crow foot flare socket. NO way no how would a 1/4 socket of any kind, help seal the brass in the head.

Ken Crisman · Oct 19, 2013

Oh I'm sorry . Yes I was thinking about the guage in the dash . Need to read better I guess . Thanks for clearing it up for me

mjccnc · Oct 20, 2013

Thank yall for the respondes.I got it on and its not leaking. did have to add a make shift washer.

tep guage replacement(Ford 801)

mjccnc

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Ken Crisman

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Bob

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JMOR

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john in la

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Ken Crisman

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JD Seller

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Ken Crisman

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mjccnc

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