correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Hey guys - I am struggling to find a source for a KEM TW7 or equivalent temp sending unit that is the correct threaded stud type that came originally on our V6 engines vs the Chevrolet type with a slip on non-threaded stud on top.

I think it was Lewis Matkin who ordered and sent me the last one I had, and now I need to buy a few more - does anyone know where to get the correct threaded stud version of these sender units?

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

This isn't gospel but for me, I had to modify mine with a resistor to work. I couldn't find any of the original style anywhere that matched exactly. The good news is it's an easy modification that will let you use the new temp senders without any problems.

You might find some NOS on Ebay, but that's always sketchy. Maybe someone knows of a repop somewhere.

:goodluck:

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

It may cross to AIRTEX 1T1062. May be a gauge type. Assume you need indicator type.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Well, all 60-66 GMC's came with the same temp gauge as far as I know, so not sure what you mean by "indicator type"? It has't been that long ago when Lewis sent me the correct one - seems like he worked at NAPA but not sure if he is still a member here? Anyone know how to reach Lewis?

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Indicator or Idiot light, is what I am referring to. I didn't know if some years had "indicator/idiot" lights and some had gauges. The senders would be different. If all 60-66 had gauges, that answers it. If the one I listed has the correct threads and ohmage, you don't need Lewis.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Ken, I googled the Airtex number you gave me and BOOM! the exact right one I needed. So very much appreciate this info - and now all the other members know which one to get for their engines as well. Thank you - I have the part on order through Ebay

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

It looks correct, but hope the threads that screw into motor are correct and the ohmage is correct for your gauge. Please let us know if it works.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

I didn't even know they still existed! Watching this one. AZKen :yourock:

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Speaking of gauges... Is there a way to confirm "Low Oil" indicator is functioning. When I start my 64 3/4 ton the Generator light glows then turns off, but no such glowing on Low oil indicator. Bulb is good but wonder about dash light. Plan to add separate oil gauge under dash later... Like to know oil pressure.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

The oil bulb should glow too at startup.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Thanks... Tells me there is an issue with sending unit or wire as mine does not glow during start up. Is there a supplier for sending unit?


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Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

One possible source is O'Reilly's Part No. S996 or S397. Depending on your style. Both styles are listed for 1964 305. But I don't know what motor you have. Good idea to install gauge if possible. The senders listed probably will not be correct for a gauge.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

That light may not go on at all normally. I see them go on a for a second right after an oil /filter change before the pressure builds up.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Okay, seems there may be a couple possibilities. Guess I will check sending unit and see if there is a replacement. Will also add an oil pressure gauge as I like knowing this info. Just an old timer that line to look at gauges multiple times while enjoying my 305 V6 in the 64 GMC 1500.


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Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Greetings cbeeker!

If your oil light is not coming on when you turn on the ignition, more than likely you have a bad oil pressure switch/sensor.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

Hi everyone, so my gauge says it's ruining hot. Now I'm wonder it the sensor I purchased from Carquest it not correct. Can anyone verify that this is the wrong tempture unit. I'm guessing based on everything I read here I need to order the air tech part number.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

What part number did you get? Carquest online does not allow search older than 1975. Jolly's Known Good Part Numbers list says NAPA TS6469.

O'Reilly's says WT203
These are not the threaded stud top that was asked for but they will work just fine, supposedly. Provided the gauge is stock.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

I purchased the WT203 from CarQuest. Our local Carquest store had it in stock... So you're saying WT203 should work? Yes my gauge is stock. It's just indecating closer to the "H" and not the "N" I might swap my 4 blade fan for a 5 blade fan. Your thoughts?

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

was the truck running hot before you changed sensors?

go to FetchMeaPepsi's thread and read about his treatment of the sensor with the button top. the Ohm rating on the older sensors is different than new ones.
I have hooked up the factory gauge and an aftermarket gauge to a TS6469. the factory gauge goes to the midpoint when the key is turned on with a cold engine. The aftermarket gauge registers cold. My truck isn't running so I cant get the water temperature up to check..

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

I don't know if it was running hot or not as I had to replace the motor so when I got it running I noticed that the temperature gauge was not working. So i went to Carquest and purchased a sensor and it now registers hot... So I'm guessing I need to purchase the AIRTEC part or the NAPA part!!!!

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

The WT203 is listed by O'Reilly's as for 1961-1965 305 motor among other years. There is a WT203Z, you don't want that. The only way to sleep at night is to test sender in a pot of water while hooked to gauge and using a good thermometer in the water. Mark down where needle is at each temp. You have to rig it all up with 12V to gauge and the grounds and sender wire. I've done it several times. Otherwise you will chase this overheating problem for weeks. You have to know if it is really overheating first before changing fans, new rad, etc. You could have a bad gauge or sender or wires or ground. You can use a 12V battery charger to supply power to gauge. Put a fuse inline. Sometimes folks use mix and match senders and gauges, no good.
Also gauges can have different values for C N H. If your gauge hovers at between N and H it could be quite normal depending on what H is. 210, 220. 230, 250 deg..... and depending on what the correct operating temp is for your motor, your condition of radiator, outside temperature, thermostat condition/setting, fan, fan shroud, water pump efficiency and so on. SO finding out that the system that you are monitoring all that with, is correct, or known, is extremely important. The only way to access the operating condition of sender and gauge, and how they work together, is with a hot water pan test. Submerge threaded end with ground cable attached into boiling water. Don't let top get wet. You can test with an ohmmeter if you are really, really sure of specs. Said to be about 80 ohms at 212 deg. You can use an infrared thermometer with unit still in truck and point it at various points on motor and radiator in/out, T-Stat housing, hoses, etc, including where sender is mounted. Basically if a gauge never actually hits H, you are OK. If you don't boil over or loose water, you should be OK. These are just rules of thumb, you need to test if you think it's running real hot all the time.
You can leave the gauge in the dash if you can rig up a container of water for the removed sender. You can wire jumpers to reach sender top and threads. Camp stove, coffee cup coil.... Bar-B-Q :bigyikes:

Sender should not touch bottom of a metal pan while testing.
Simple gauge test: KEY ON, take off sender wire from sender, gauge should read C, touch that wire to engine ground, gauge should read H.

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

I would HIGHLY recommend having a "No-Contact Infrared Point And Shoot Thermometer" in your toolbox. They range in price from low $20s to $75 on the ones you can calibrate.

You aim the meter at the radiator intake, pull the trigger, a red dot shows you where the reading is being taken.

Perfect for checking:
Radiator temp drop form in to out
Checking for a bad cylinder (low output temp)

Re: correct V6 temp sending unit KEM TW7
 

As suggested, purchased and install new oil pressure sending unit and oil idiot light now works normally with each key start. Feel much better knowing it is operating.


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