Can you machine down a VDO temp sensor?

[TurboRA28]

Hi all, i'm trying to fit a VDO temp sensor gauge into the original 1uz location.

I picked up a VDO 320.002 sensor today from the local auto part shop which appears to be the correct thread except the end of the sensor that sits in the coolant is a bit too thick to slide down through the hole.

If i chuck this in a lathe can I take .5mm or so off it? Or will this surely damage the sensor?



i had a look in the part catalog but most things don't have pictures and not sure if i'll find anything smaller.

Thanks
Joel

[SillyCarS]

will depend if its just a sheath or if it is the actual thermocouple, if its the latter it will fuck the signal

[oldcorollas]

http://www.whittakers.net.au/uploads...t%20Royale.pdf
page 2

is it not possible to make the hole a little bigger?
i would guess that 0.5mm is ok, but... how much are they? (just in case)

there is no thermocouple inside (two joined dissimilar metals).. just a temp variable resistor (whatever they are called)

[TurboRA28]

I saw those pics in the catalog, and I need the thread of type A and B, but the body of type C.. the book does state a sensor called the 320.011 which has an * next to it saying it is short. This may work but haven't been able to see a pic of it without having a shop order one in.

The problem is that the hole starts right away with thread.. and then the thread seems to taper down smaller, so the sensor can't slide past the threaded section as it tapers. Stupid design for the sensor if you ask me..

They are only $16 so I don't mind breaking one..
I'll take .5mm off it and check the resistance and see if its still correct or close enough.

[oldcorollas]

http://www.whittakers.net.au/uploads...20Adaptors.pdf
here shows the 320.011 but i think the pic is wrong.. (same as in other one, but they said it was 320.071)
it is listed as having the 1/2" NPT, like body C, not the 1/8" NPT

[TurboRA28]

So i machined down the sensor and all is good. Tested it tonight in some water against a thermometer and was spot on accurate.

Cheers
Joel

[oldcorollas]

good to hear
if you hit something non-metallic.. it might have been an issue
edit: did the thread fit?

[TurboRA28]

Haha yeah was bit worried but all good.. Wasn't going to cry if it broke at $16...