Coolant Temperature Sensor filled with corrosion?

GAVINBATSON

MEMBER
1996 FORD E-SERIES VAN
5.8L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hey Ken and Ryan, I've got a 96' e150 with a 351W in it and the coolant temperature sensor looks like it filled with corrosion.

I recently replaced the cooling system (radiator, water pump, and thermostat/housing) now I can see the coolant temp sensor is broken and wont plug back in.

I'm local to Oceanside, does your team do home visits to diagnose or would I have to bring it in to your shop?

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 AT 10:25 AM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
55,469 POSTS

All you need to do is replace the coolant sensor and the problem will be fixed. Do you need the location of the sensor?

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Thursday, March 5th, 2026 AT 8:57 AM

GAVINBATSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Sorry I know I'm pinging about Mediavine and this, I actually have a question about my van I've been working on.

I'll replace that, I believe it's just right above the thermostat housing on the 351, but I have no idea how it could get corrosion like that. I couldn't get it off without brake cleaner either.

I'll just replace the whole thing, when I refilled the coolant and was burping it my temp spiked like crazy so that could be why. Do you think it's more likely that it's been bad and then finally met its day or would be burping it or doing the system change incorrectly have anything to do with it?

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Thursday, March 5th, 2026 AT 9:03 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
55,469 POSTS

I don't think so, it looks like the sensor just fell apart, I would fish the old part of the sensor out of the electrical connector and replace the sensor you should be good to go.

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Thursday, March 5th, 2026 AT 9:14 AM