head temp sensor

I'm going to replace my old style head temp sensor ('85 Carrera) this summer. I'd hate to cut the wire in case I need it for a spare, emergency part later.
Has anyone out there removed theirs without using the special, slotted socket? I'd like to know the mm size of the sensor, also. Is there enough room for a crowfoot wrench to do the job? Thanks.
regards,
jlex.

old style is 13mm, new is 14mm. i just bought a snap on tool that looks like it will work without cutting the wire. #FRXM14. haven't tried it yet. the old ones have been proven to be problematic, so i would toss it.

Also, the new temp sensor will be two wire
rather than the original one wire. The old sensors depended on their screw threads to provide the ground connection but being of dissimilar metals, they corrode and lose their conductivity. The new one includes a ground wire.

George
86 911T

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

old style is 13mm, new is 14mm. i just bought a snap on tool that looks like it will work without cutting the wire. #FRXM14. haven't tried it yet. the old ones have been proven to be problematic, so i would toss it.

Wow kinda spendy for a one-time DIY use at $55! Anyone fabricate one using a deep socket and a grinding wheel to cut a slot for the wire?

[Por_sha911]

I bought a $3 deep socket and ground a slot using a cutting wheel. It took a little while to get the slot the right size but it worked fine and was a whole lot cheaper than that thing.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by mthomas58

Wow kinda spendy for a one-time DIY use at $55! Anyone fabricate one using a deep socket and a grinding wheel to cut a slot for the wire?

That's what I did... 2 minutes using an angle grinder.

Crude but works great

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 on my Ghetto Tool but I cut/grinded like the previous pic.

Warning it is tighter than a heck and beware you will get alot of cuts.

Remember to use a Jack Stand for safety.

Break a Leg!

[PatrickB]

Originally Posted by Jorgeman

Also, the new temp sensor will be two wire
rather than the original one wire. The old sensors depended on their screw threads to provide the ground connection but being of dissimilar metals, they corrode and lose their conductivity. The new one includes a ground wire.

George
86 911T

Don't be worried if you can't locate the new style 2 wire. The old set up only lasted 20 years in most cars...

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

+1 on my Ghetto Tool but I cut/grinded like the previous pic.

Warning it is tighter than a heck and beware you will get alot of cuts.

Remember to use a Jack Stand for safety.

Break a Leg!

Won't be a problem - engine is out!

[DRACO A5OG]

Nice

[mthomas58]

Just saved $55! Works great.

[3.2 CAB]

Yep, you can make up an entire set, of shop made, deep sensor sockets, for what the cost of just one tool truck socket would cost.

[burgermeister]

You don't need a special tool to get the old one out. Just clip the wire and use a deep socket.

Looks like you made an install tool already. I did the same.