Tonight my truck started to squirt coolant from what appears to be the coolant temp sensor for the temp gauge... It leaks bad enough under load that the truck started smoking very badly, engine bay was covered in coolant and the trucks temp was very high , luckily I had a spare jug of coolant and was able to top it off and get the truck home. I was just wondering what is the best way to repair this leak and if these temp sensors are prone to leaking. Thanks.

 

There is a pliable thread sealant you can buy at an autoparts store. ARP thread sealant is an excellent choice. Check for cracks around the bung.

 

I'll do that today and let you know how it goes. I was thinking of grabbing some thread sealant, when it happened last night it was also to dark to take a serious look around. The sensor itself seems fine as my temp gauge still works, so either the bung cracked or the sensor came loose or something .

 

You didn't say what year your truck is but if it is 92-95 you will have 2 coolant sensors 1 for pcm and 1 for the gauge. My suggestion is if it is a sensor that is leaking replace it while you have it out, or even replace both they are cheep and they can corrode overtime. Also in that area is the thermostat replace that and any hoses that feel soft.

 

CrazyRT thanks, i examined that sensor and surrounding area more closely this morning. the coolant line that comes off the tstat housing and goes to the heater core had a pinhole leak on it, spraying coolant all over the passenger side of my engine bay. fixing it right now.