I'm replacing my radiator and trying to collect all the needed parts. It seems that there is different and conflicting info on what is used to seal the coolant sensor to the radiator. My old unit had a washer with a type of rubber center. Unfortunately I can't find these anywhere. Guys at the local shop recommended using a o-ring or a plastic washer.

So what does the collective here think? Id really hate to get it all buttoned up only to have a leak.

This is for a 2004 Disco II.

 

I would use an aluminum washer. Without a groove to contain it, wrenching down on a rubber o-ring may cause it to squeeze out.

 

Either a copper or an aluminum washer and you're done. Most new sensors come with an aluminum washer. Don't use an o ring it will not seal.

 

You need a metal washer with rubber center like your old one, because you are screwing the temp sensor on plastic part of radiator & cant apply lots of pressure to make a aluminum or copper washer make a decent seal without cracking the plastic, if you can't find a new washer then just use the old washer you have, put little high temp silicone or rtv on both sides of rubber seal & tighten it just enough, not too much to crack the plastic part of radiator & let it dry b4 filling with coolant, it will not leak, there isn't that much pressure in radiator to make it leak, there is a reason they didn't use a aluminum washer to begin with, metal washers are only good when you can apply enough force to squash them at least a little bit, not when you are dealing with plastic treads,

 

Mmmmm, pretty sure the coolant sensor for a 4.6 is on the block behind/between the alternator and compressor. No?

 

Thanks for the replies.

Bom2oo2 is correct that the sensor does NOT seal against metal but it does have a brass insert inside which is why I had reservations in the beginning not being able to locate a original styled washer. Also note that you can put to much tension on this because you can break the internal brass loose and it will just spin. Ask me how I know!

 

I do have a sensor there also. Not sure what that one is called but this one is on the actual radiator right below the lower hose.

 

ERR2081


Sensor: Land Rover Engine Temperature Sensor For Air Injection Engines

 

Have you checked with a dealer parts department?

 

FYI, correct term for sensor below. They do seem to be installed on D2s with SAI. There is nothing in description of operation that says it is a SAI system component.

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