Coolant Temp sensor issue

[TheOne2028]

So I just bought a mechanical coolant temp sensor from O'Reilly's. On the older 350s you could just get a 16 mil wrench in there and tighten it down that way but on my 85 between the heat shield and the actual block there's no room to tighten it down. Any suggestions???

 

[mtnmankev]

So I just bought a mechanical coolant temp sensor from O'Reilly's. On the older 350s you could just get a 16 mil wrench in there and tighten it down that way but on my 85 between the heat shield and the actual block there's no room to tighten it down. Any suggestions???

If you have a deep socket to sacrifice, grind/cut a slot on one edge of it almost to the top.
It will act just like a flare nut wrench, and grab all six points of the fitting, and allow the wire a space to go and allow rotation.

 

[fast 99]

Just had the same issue. Try a crowfoot line wrench. Might get it out. I ended up sacrificing mine. Had to cut the lead and use a socket.