2000 5.4L F150
I bought a aftermarket electric temp gauge.
The instructions that came with the gauge says to replace the current sender with the new supplied sender. I don't think I want to do that.
I'm conflicted as to where to put the new sender. Another thread mentioned the thermostat housing (is it threaded or must I drill and tap it?) On the drivers side of the block, just in front of the bell housing there is a freeze plug. Just above this freeze plug is a half inch threaded plug.
Would either of these locations work , one better than the other, or is there another , better location ?
Thanks

 

i was also wondering about this because i am thinkin about gettin one of those gauge pods that go up that side pillar and i was wondering where i would have to put the sender without messin with the one that is already there.

 

I couldn't reach my threaded block plug so i put in 5/8" brass hose barbs and tee in my heater core supply hose, cut and hose clamped, done deal, no leaks and I just had to ground and wire the sensor up, perfect readings and easy to service/change, remove, etc.

 

arent there some random holes in the heads/ on top of the engine for things like this?? ive seen alot of emtpy threaded holes on mine...i also am gonna get a Temp gauge...with my luck if i cut the hose itd leak.

 

Yes, there is a freeze plug on the bottom drivers side that is easy to access. It should work, take a socket extension and remove it but you'll lose radiator fluid. I am pretty sure it is the same size as the sensor.

 

There is an available access port on a plenum at the coolant crossover at the front of the engine. Look just above the alternator to find it....one on the adaptors from the gauge kit will fit.....yank off the upper intake and you will have plenty of room.

 

X2!!

I actually had no choice but to do mine this way as I have a mechanical gauge, but exact same theory. The temp probe on a mechanical gauge wont fit into any existing port. I would have done it this way either way.