My buddy just bought a 1997 Ram 1500 with a v6 3.9l magnum. The previous owner said the engine had been swapped. It still has a v6 magnum but I noticed the intake manifold only has room for one coolant temp sensor but the engine wiring harness is equipped with two plugs one for the temp sending unit and the other for the Engine temp sensor (for computer). My guess is that the engine was swapped with a newer engine but they didnt swap intake manifolds. Everything online indicates '93-'97 manifolds should have 2 coolant sensors and '98-'03 only have one coolant sensor to do both jobs. My '01 2500 360 magnum only has one.
He has a P0118 (ECT sensor voltage to high) code currently. He has only the sending unit sensor installed and plugged in but the sensor for the computer is not there and unplugged (found the plug stuffed under the alternator)
My question is could i use a t-fitting to fit both sensors in the one hole without issue or does anybody have any other solution besides getting a used manifold or drilling and tapping the hole for the other sensor? He is on a budget.



Thanks in Advance!!

 

T-fitting would sorta work, but, likely not be particularly accurate..... Intake swap? Should be able to find one in a junkyard for cheap.

 

A "T" fitting would put both sensors away from the manifold so they won't be as accurate. See if you can find a machine shop that can drill and tap it. If you buy a drill and tap it will probably only get used for this job. Another option is see if you can get another intake with the two sensor ports. Have a look at the plenum gasket of the intake you plan on putting one the motor. I think they have as many issues as the V8's but worth a look.

 

Thanks for the quick responses and info! Being that he is on a budget and im just a buddy helping a buddy i think we will use the t-fitting ($8) until he can get the funds for a used intake and the trip to a jukyard ($50 at the junkyard, nearest one is at least 60 miles away). and good call on the plenum gasket. I did mine on my 360 magnum and went with the Hughes Performance plenum plate.

 

I drilled and tapped my manifold to resolved this issue. No need to buy a set, the 1/8 NPT tap can typically be bought independently and a good 12pt socket will work fine to run the the tap in a ratchet, A good tool set should have a 12pt socket set in it. Drill bits can also usually be bought separately, the tap will be labeled with the appropriate size drill bit.

If you're confident in your skill this would be the easiest option to me. Drain coolant, I would also recommend removing the thermostat to clean out any filings that may fall in being as aluminum isn't magnetic, running a magnet in the hole would be fruitless. If you're unsure of history, replacing wouldn't be the worst idea anyway for the t stat.