Issue with installing Stewart Warner temp gauge sender

[Giraffe]

I’m installing Stewart Warner gauges on my truck and went with their temp sender. The instructions make it seem like it should thread in almost all the way with just a bit sticking out. Mine seems like it’s barely started and it’s already tight. It’s just wanting to the the a.

Would this be sufficient, or is there another issue at play here?

[Arquemann]

If it doesn't leak, it's enough. Those instructions have a very different adapter.
I think those are tapered threads, so forcing it can crack thigns.

[friskyfrankie]

+1. If it doesn't leak, your "golden"! Over tightening may create issue you don't want.

[massacre]

I would use tape/thread sealer, but yeah don't over tighten it.

[friskyfrankie]

Did the part come with thread sealer on the threads like most Ford sensors do?

[Giraffe]

Nope. I have a thread sealer I can use. Thanks for the input!

[friskyfrankie]

Nope. I have a thread sealer I can use. Thanks for the input!

No problem - leak free, trouble free cars are what we live for (well, partially, at least)!

[DerekTheGreat]

Yah, that's probably NPT so it's tapered. I wouldn't be comfortable unless three threads or more have "bitten" so to speak. +1 on Teflon tape, otherwise it will leak.

You know, alternatively you could remove the little resister on your instrument cluster. I believe this can be done for both the temperature & oil pressure gages to make them function normally instead of always just reading right in the middle of the gage until stuff is totally F'd.

[sly]

I think the torque spec is something like 10 ftlbs or maybe 15. +1 if it doesn't leak, you're fine.

[P72Ford]

This looks like 1/4" NPT to me, but given the scale I suppose it could be 1/8.

https://www.engineersedge.com/hardware/taper-pipe-threads.htm

This link will tell you the range of proper thread engagement of an NPT connection for a given nominal pipe size.

For an 1/8" fitting, hand tight should be ~.16", and maximum engagement would be just over 1/4".

For a 1/4" fitting, hand tight should just under 1/4", and maximum engagement would be just over 3/8".

I have done numerous sanity checks this way because, like you said, sometimes it doesn't seem like you have nearly enough engagement.

[JeffBoudah]

Install the thread adapter in the intake upside down?

[Giraffe]

Install the thread adapter in the intake upside down?

Not possible to do due to the tapered NPT threads.

[Giraffe]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm satisfied enough to just let it ride as is.

[DerekTheGreat]

[gadget73]

thats an awful strange looking reducer bushing. With no hex on it, I sure hope you never need to remove it. Then again I'd really wonder how it got tight enough to seal with no way to turn it in there.

Intake is 3/8 NPT, going to guess the sender is 1/8 NPT. Looks like too much flat space for it to be 1/4.