Just a quick question, would the area circled in red receive good enough coolant flow for a temp sensor? (the top of the WP housing)

(not my photo, or a very accurate representation as its an RE, but you get my point)

 

my opinion is the back of the housing is better

 

dont put it there because it will not fit. the alternator sits about 1 cm above it.

 

This is where I did mine.

I didn't even remove the waterpump. I removed the thermostat neck, the thermostat. I stuffed paper towels under the drilling location to catch the shavings.

Works great.



Not my picture, but just like mine.

 

I would drill the back of the WP housing, however, I really don't feel like removing it if I don't need to.

I know the alternator sits around the area I wanted to drill, but the spot I'm looking at is actually to to right of the alternator a bit, and there's plenty of room. Just wasn't sure if the spot would get good flow, as I don't want static water temp levels.

Jack, I like your spot. May just have to use that!

And FYI, greasing up the threads on the drill bit and tap helps reduce shavings entering the WP housing. But I like the idea of being able to stiff towels in there to help. AND I don't have to remove the housing still.

 

Damn, just realized, I'm running an air pump. That spot won't work. I took a picture of my original location idea. Let me know what you guys think.
(its the spot in the pic between the alternator belt and bracket)

 

If you are not going to run the thermowax, remove the pipe off the back of the housing. My autometer sensor fit perfect, I didn't even have to drill it out. Perfect location too.

 

Still going to run thermowax.

I wonder though... I disabled the temp switch on the TB secondaries. If i pull that out, maybe its the same thread size?

Either way, I still would like to know if where I chose in the pic above would be sufficient.

 

No no, you can use this spot with an airpump!

Here is an actual pic of my install right next to the airpump bracket, just taken this instant.

Sorry for the quality...iphone.

 

The bracket on my air pump is different, I'm assuming it's because it's a turbo. But there's almost no room for a sensor to fit. Also, I was thinking, wouldn't that put the temp sensor in the coldest spot in the engine? As that's right after the radiator?

 

If you want actual engine coolant temp, put it on the hot side where everyone has been telling you.

 

Meh, that is essentially the same location Mazda put the sensors. It gets the return from the Rad, but it is mixed with the return from the hot side of the engine. The thermostat regulates the mix from completely closed(all engine) to completely open (all rad return). This is the regulated temp of the engine.

 

Front or back near the thermostat would be best. You definitely don't want to stick it under the alternator, or every time you change the belt you'll have a hell of a time getting it onto the alternator pulley without crushing your sensor.

 

Thought I post a picture up of where I ended up mounting this.

Followed my original idea, but mounted it in the galley where the coolant leaves the engine. Lots of flow, accurate temps, and it's not in the way of anything. Alternator bolted up just fine. My only quam is that I opted to remove the TMIC and UIM just to get some brackets off so to have a nice clear shot with the drill and tap. Was able to almost elminate any shavings falling into the WP housing by applying some wheel bearing grease to the drill bit and had the shop vac going the whole time. Any bits that fell in, I was able to pull out with grease on the end of a wire clothes hanger.

Killed two birds by cleaning some ECU grounds while I was in there. Seems to have helped my idle/hesitation situation so far *fingers crossed*.

Pic -

 

isnt that spot is where the coolant returns from the radiator and into the block?

 

That galley goes to the lower radiator hose, so yes, you're actually right. It appears I read the coolant flow chart incorrectly...

Damn't... attempt fail.. Oh well...

 

plug it up and move it to another spot.