Early Ford 600 Temperature gauge probe

[paul25g]

Hi guys,

I recently purchased a Ford 600 that had a bad temperature gauge. Looking at the parts available on this website, I ran across Part number 103877 that has the note [b:278c53377f]"NOTE, the probe on this gauge is 0.374 inches in diameter. Some early heads had a smaller opening. Verify before ordering."[/b:278c53377f]

I removed the old probe and its diameter is 0.364". I must have an earlier head as mentioned above and the new probe will not fit.

Has anyone else ran into this before and what is the solution?

Thanks!

 

[William Fissell]

These temp probes are a PIA. Did you try a test fit? 10 thou of clearance might not be out of control. Barring that I
would drill or ream out the block, noting that I have not had to try that. I have also always needed to use a bottoming
tap to clean out the threads to get the nut to seat properly.

 

[paul25g]

Yeah, did a test fit and the new one wouldn't go

 

[showcrop]

Are you sure that the old one came out cleanly? They can come apart so that the thin wall bulb is still in the hole.