2.3L Coolant Sending Unit or Coolant Sensor

Before going to the trouble of removing the coolant sender from the 2.3L Ford engine block and testing it, perform the tests presented to ensure that it is the sender malfunctioning, and not another part of the circuit.  Unit is on Left side rear of engine, under cylinder head, near oil filter (see the diagrams).

Steps:

1. Verify that engine to body grounding strap is good and not corroded.  Bad or missing strap will cause high temp readings.
2. Check wiring to sensor for damage and corrosion.
3. Verify full coolant level.
4. Check sensor: 73 ohms cold, 10 ohms hot. (+/- 2 ohms)

How to removal and install.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Remove the radiator cap to relieve any system pressure.

3. Disconnect the wiring at the coolant sender.

4. Remove the coolant temperature sender from the engine.

5. Coat the threads on the sender with Teflon® tape or electrically conductive sealer, then install the sender. 6. Tighten the sender to 107-143 inch lbs. (12-16 Nm) NOT ft/lbs.

7. Attach the wiring to the coolant sending unit and connect the negative battery cable.

8. If necessary, add antifreeze to replace any lost coolant, then install the radiator cap.

Sensor Pics (could be either)

2.3 L coolant sensor 

2.3L coolant sending unit

You can also check the unit in a pan of water, if removed from the truck.

Ford 2.3L engine Notes

2.3L I4 SOHC 8V FI Engine

Check the "years covered" on the parts before buying.

Cylinder Head
Part	Years Covered	Part Number
Head Bolts	83-01	ES72137 (FP)
Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .3414” stem dia, 4.792” OAL)	83-94	V3943
Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .2740” stem dia, 4.8070” OAL)	95-01	V4553
Intake Valve (1.735” head, .3419” stem dia, 4.787” OAL)	83-94	V2170
Intake Valve (1.735” head, .2750” stem dia, 4.787” OAL)	95-01	V4488
Valve Guide (.3440 ID, 2.1880” OAL-spiral reamed & flg)	83-94	VG1372
Valve Guide (Threaded, .2765” ID, 1.9300” OAL)	95-97	VG1389T
Valve Spring (1.9800” free height w/ damper)	83-94	VS1459
Valve Spring (2.0197” free height)	95-01	VS1647
Valve Keeper/Lock	83-94	VK205
Valve Keeper/Lock (Hard)	83-94	VK205R
Valve Keeper/Lock	95-01	VK287
Valve Spring Insert [(shims) (A=.060” B=.030” C=.015”)	83-94	259-102A or B or C
Engine
Part	Years Covered	Part Number
Connecting Rods (Forging #D42E-AA)	1974 - 1997	R25BJ (FM)
Pistons - 2.3L (2-2.00mm/1-4.76mm rings, Comp Dist:1.578”. Pin Dia: .9122” 8.7:1 Comp Ratio, Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)	1977 - 1991	H435P
Pistons - 2.3L (2-1.5mm/1-4.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.575”, Pin Dia: .9122” Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)	1983 - 1994	H537P
Pistons - 2.3L (2-1.5mm/1-4.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.578”, Pin Dia: .9122” 8.7:1 Comp Ratio, Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)	1982 - 1989	495P
Pistons - 2.3? (2-1.5mm/1-3.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.335”, Pin Dia: .9122” Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)	1995 - 1997	H676P
Oil Pump (4/8/85 and older) (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan)	1980 - 1985	224-41160
Oil Pump High Volume (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan)	1980 - 1995	224-41160V
Oil Pump (4/9/85 and newer)	1986 - 1994	224-41127
Oil Pump Shaft	1980 - 1994	224-61160
Oil pump screen	1977 - 1985	224-12160
Oil pump screen	1986 - 1994	224-13160