Installing the Coolant Temperature Sensor Problems

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

Hey,

So, as I was installing the sensor, I apparently put too much force behind it and cracked what I thought was the thermostat housing, but after going to autozone to get the part, it doesn't look anything like what I cracked.

It is cracked right under where the sensor screws in on a 2000 Grand Prix 3.8. Any help on what this part is called? Tips on repairing/replacing it, etc would be much appreciated

Thanks

**sportred04** · 03-03-2011

lower intake manifold

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

This is not an exact picture of what the one on my car looks like, but gives you an idea of what I'm talking about exactly.

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/20...c391c044bf.jpg

That metal housing that the sensor is screwed into, and the thermostat goes into the top, that is the part that is actually cracked. Doesn't look like the lower intake manifold to me, but is it?

Thanks for the reply by the way

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

Also, is that something that can be replaced by an amateur mechanic, or have I really screwed this thing up?

**nascartech** · 03-03-2011

that is your lim the sensor and the t stat house bolt onto it so u would need a lim if u want one i have one from a 2001 let me know

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

lim being the lower intake manifold? How hard/involved is that to replace?

**nascartech** · 03-03-2011

here is a link to a thread it has a how to video watch it http://www.grandprixforums.net/lim_lifter_video.php

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

Oh jesus....All for a 15 dollar sensor...GRRRR Thanks for the video!

**ZackN** · 03-03-2011

It is just a small crack, but it is big enough for coolant to come out of...Do you think there is anyway to just seal it?

**brandonl2000** · 03-03-2011

i'd go ahead and just replace the LIM, especially if you haven't already done the gaskets you might as well just get another LIM and put metal gaskets.

dont feel bad though, i strip so many bolts and threads because i wanna put that finishing touch on every bolt. good luck.

**01gpgt01** · 03-04-2011

JB weld will work.

**nascartech** · 03-04-2011

Originally Posted by 01gpgt01

JB weld will work.

^^^
this but it all depends on how long u wanna keep the car if it was mee i would do it proper and just replace the intake but if u want a cheap fix and dont plan on keeping the car long just jb weld it

**ZackN** · 03-04-2011

hmmm that video does make the lim look like a detailed, but somewhat simple task...On the other hand, my car is in pretty bad shape as it is anyway. It's a 2000 with over a 180k miles on it. It leaks all over the place and I'm constantly having to do repairs on it. If JB Welds would hold just long enough to replace the car, I may just do that. I was worried that there may be too much pressure in that intake for jb welds to hold? Have y'all ever done this successfully?

**ZackN** · 03-04-2011

One other question...Where can I find a lim? I've called around to numerous shops that generally have everything, and all they can get is the upper

**Bio248** · 03-04-2011

junkyard or used from someone on here is your best bet. honestly, youll find a used one on here from someone for damn near nothing. put up a WTB thread in the WTB section and im sure youll have one within a week.

**BillBoost37** · 03-04-2011

I'm having a tough time believing you cracked an LIM with a brass sensor. The brass should have given and stripped before the LIM cracked. Plus it's in such a place that I'm surprised you can see a crack.

How about a picture of the actual crack in your manifold? Just to ensure that we are all on teh same page and you pulled off the nearly impossible.

**ZackN** · 03-04-2011

Well, a picture would be next to impossible due to the location, because I had to use a flexible mirror (kinda like a dentist uses) to look under where the sensor screws into. Sure as snot, there is about a 1 1/2 inch crack running from the sensor across the manifold. I'm just as shocked as you are. I was going to JB Weld it, but I just discovered how big the crack is...With as old as the car is, and with all the other problems, I'm thinking the only thing to do here that is feasible is to just get a new one.