OMG....... Disaster strikes!! Am I screwed?

[Silver Bullet]

Well... I was unscrewing my "ECT" sensor, and the damn thing broke leaving the part of the tip still screwed inside, and I can't get it out!!

It appears to be "Plastic"? Why would you put a plastic part where hot engine stuff is? This is the stupidest thing I've ever seen in my life.

I don't have a drill, and just some basic tools at this time. I found a potted plant hook with a long screw that I screwed into the center of the stuck piece. My goal was to use some super glue and make the screw become one with the piece, therefore allowing me to unscrew it and get it out. Well... As if things weren't bad enough already, I got it all the way in and when I attempted to unscrew it the top of the plant hook came off!!!! Now I have a broken piece of the old ECT sensor stuck with a screw in it...LOL!! I'm sorry... I can't help laughing. This week has been unreal, and all I can do at this moment is laugh. It calms the frustration down somewaht...

Here's a couple pics... I could not get very close to the stuck part. Just so you see what's up. Help is more than appreciated!!

My lovely wife Laura displays exhibit #1 (Old left, New right W/ White Thread tape)

Exhibit#2

 

[twr]

Boy, I've never had that one happen. Unfortunatly if you can't get it from the outside, you're gonna have to pull that part of the water manifold to get the broken sender out.

 

[rangerj]

SB,

Get a big hug and a kiss from Laura and calm down. As an aside, if she breaks one of those fingernails helping you there will be **** to pay, so be careful.

You could try an "easy-out". The are turned in a counter clockwise direction and get tight so that you are "unscrewing" the stuck piece.

You could get a reverse threaded screw and screw it into the piece until it bottomed. It would then turn the piece out as you try to tighten the screw. This is the same theary as your plant hanger, only you would not need the super glue.

If the piece is not leaking you could drive to a shop. I do not think I would trust the screw from the plant hanger to form an effective seal.

Lastly, you could drill out most of the piece and get the rest out with a tap. Scratch that, I forgot you did not have tools.

If the piece is plastic you should be able to heat it and get it to turn while it is soft. Are you sure this part of the sensor is not brass?

Hope these random thoughts help. Hang in there Laura, he'll work it out. rangerj

 

[Mike Kopstain]

IIRC, you can just remove the rear thermostat housing and punch it out from the inside.

 

[Dr.Evil]

Just wondering, what are the symptoms of this going bad? My car does not run as good when it is cold...I just thought that it was incomplete combustion due to the cold motor, but could this be the culprit?
thanks

 

[91taurisho]

The easiest way to get it out(with basic tools and little to work with) is screw in 2 screws on opposite sides. Use thick and decently long screws. Leave a little bit of the screw out of the broken part. When you have done this take a screw driver/pliers/metal rod/anything straight and hard and twist the thing... Good luck!

 

[Rob94]

For some reason, some of the replacement ECT sensors do come with a plastic probe. They are junk. I've had 3 of them fail within months. Anyone looking to replace their ECT sensor, open the box in the store. If it is not the brass one, do not purchase it!!

 

[Rockledge]

Rob94:
For some reason, some of the replacement ECT sensors do come with a plastic probe. They are junk. I've had 3 of them fail within months. Anyone looking to replace their ECT sensor, open the box in the store. If it is not the brass one, do not purchase it!!

Good tip regarding opening thew box at the store and taking a look.

The ECT that I bought from AutoZone was all brass, and as I was installing it I recall making a mental note of how much better quality it appeared to be.

 

[SonicRiot]

The stock Motorcrap ones were plastic as far as I know...

The one I yanked was plastic and I just thought to myself, "Why? That's just a disater waiting to happen!"

Leave it to Ford. slap

 

[RStalveyARFF]

We're talking about the "SU201" Wells sensor from autozone right?

 

[ghostrider]

Yes, the Well SU201 is the all brass unit from Autozone. It is far superior to the motorcrap one, which is partially plastic.

 

[skippie]

SonicRiot:
Leave it to Ford. slap

yeah, but Japan designed the engine! not Ford! oh

so we can't even blame them! headbang

 

[Silver Bullet]

I say everyone should inspect their sensor to see if it's brass and replace the plastic piece of garbage if it isn't, as a smart precautionary measure!!

<small>[ February 23, 2004, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Silver Bullet ]</small>

 

[AutoSHO]

skippie:

SonicRiot:
Leave it to Ford. slap

yeah, but Japan designed the engine! not Ford! oh

so we can't even blame them! headbang

Sensor = Ford's doing. wink