Water Temp. Gauge sending unit install issue....

[Asmoday]

For those of you who have used the threaded plate on the back of the cylinder head for a water temp. sending unit location for adding a gauge....

What did you do about the metal vacuum line that runs over it?

I went to install the threaded plate with the temp gauge sending unit installed into it on the passenger side at the rear of the head today but I hit a snag.

The metal vacuum line that runs down to the trans passes right over the plate and I don't see how the new threaded plate with the temp sending unit installed will fit without radically bending the metal line or probably having to cut a section out of it and replace it with a rubber section which I prefer not to do.

Any advice?

Below is a pic of the new plate with sending unit....

 

[allenhillview]

I put mine in that water pump takeout plug, works great.

 

[camogriz]

I put mine in the idiot light sensor hole in the front of the driver's side head, right behind the alternator.

 

[Grega]

Its been awhile since I installed mine, but I think I just bent the vacuum line out of the way just enough to install the plate. This is a good place to install your sender while still keeping the idiot light.

 

[edpdx]

Grega is right. I installed mine the same way. It looks problematic; but it just looks that way. Block it up out of the way the best you can without tearing it up. Install a good gasket and some copper sealant- no sense in dealing with this twice.

I noticed mine seem to run around 130°. Over time it slowly crept up to a more believable temp. I think the needle needed a workout from sitting so long. I was worried that it had an air pocket there; but I don't think it could last long since the Blazer is always jumbling around.