Ok, I think this sux. Is that water thermo sensor the one on the bottom drivers side of the radiator? If it is, then from what I've read, that is why my 86 N/A will no longer start. I've just replaced the steering rack, and in the process I accidently ripped the wires from this sensor. The car started directly after, and ran fine for several days. Then it flooded, and I havn't been able to unflood the blasted thing for two days. When it does start it sputters, with some terrible white gas smoke and shuts off. I've tried everything besides the ATF treatment which I'm afraid of, right now it is sitting with the plugs out waiting for the gas to evaporate. It has new plugs, for the first ones were fouled. Is there any way to wire this sensor open/closed or whatever so I can drive it until I can afford a new sensor. I'm very familar with elctronics so I'm not afraid of messing with it. Also, do I have to drain the radiator to replace this sensor? Thanks for your help

 

It's just a cold start sensor for the ECU. You may want it later, but it should start without it. Do read up on the ATF trick.

 

The sensor at the bottom of the rad is actually a temperature switch.Its main function is to start the secondary air for emissions control when the water at the bottom of the rad hits about 15C.It does this by closing the the air relief valve(through the ecu of course).
It should not affect starting or running.You can change the switch without draining the rad(it is a 'dry'switch).

 

Cool, thanks. I still havn't tried the atf trick. I suppose I'll look into the directions on how to do it. I've seen it posted before so I'll go find it. I've also wired up the fuel pump switch to the relay under the dash. This is stopping the gas great, but I still have been unable to start the car. It's a pain, because I've killed my battery and my friends truck doesn't charge it fast enough. I'll keep trying, I refuse to give up on this car.