The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop temperature gauge reduction bushing

I need the bushing for my '54 235 c.i. engine.
I tryed NAPA and they could not find one.
Auto Zone clerks gave me that "deer in the headlights" look.
Jim Carter has them for $6.50 plus the usual/rediculous shipping and handling. The S&H usually costs as much as the part.
Ace Hardware has a similar bushing but it does not have the "shoulder" inside to capture the temp. probe.
Anyone know of a local source auto parts store and or part number?
Jerry

NAPA supposedly has them as Balkamp part #701-1542 (the picture on their website looks to be incorrect but the dimensions look right)

Thanks Tim.
With the Balkamp part number I can try Napa again.
Jerry

What sizes are you going for?

The 54 should already have the correct size for the 5/8 mechanical probe.

What is the casting number on your head (under the valve cover on the driver's rear side of the head)?

Tim:
Number under valve cover is: CON12 D180
Number on head outside the valve cover is: 3866848 GM23
Block number: 0001905F54X

Jerry

Jerry,

Is there a chance that code is 3836848? That is the most common replacement head, made/used from 1956-1962.

The date code: D 18 0
D = April
18 = 18th
0 = 1960

That head would need the adapter bushing for use with 1954 temperature sender.

Please let us know if NAPA has the part, the cost, and if the part does the job.

Good luck,

Here is a VDO part number if your going from 1/2 pipe to 5/8 straight

...pic...

I don't remember where I got the bushing. I thought it was napa but not sure.

Good luck

Tim:
You are ABSOLUTELY correct. The number is: 3836848
The 3's, 6's and 8's all look the same.
Will advise my findings with NAPA.... price, etc.
Thanks Tim.
Jerry

Just a follow up on Gus's VDO picture:
http://www.vdo-instruments.com/accessories/mechanical-gauge-temp-adapters.html

dg

Yep

Looks like his head is not a 54 but a 60.

I put an "if" on the VDO part, just in case

Thanks for all the help finding the bushing. Here's the latest:
NAPA...They cannot find bushing, even with the Balkamp part number; not found online at the NAPA site either.
Classic Parts: $6.95 + $7.95 shipping.
VDO/Summit Racing: $7.95 + $5.95 shipping or no shipping charge if I pick it the part in Sparks, NV. NOT!

Probably have to bite the bullet and pay shipping.

Jerry

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ection-Fitting/_/R-WH_202X5X4_0080518851

That might might be the Weatherhead/Eaton part?

Tim:
The pic in the link does not look like what I need.
I think what I need is:
5/8 - 18 UNF to 1/2 - 14 NPT.
They are common at Ace Hardware and other hardware stores
but they do not have the interior "shoulder" to keep the temp probe
from going all the way through. Pic emailed to you.
Jerry

Jerry,

You might have "bite the bullet" and buy one from a vendor. Unless someone can come up with a part number from a local parts store.

NAPA
Advance Auto
Auto Zone
O'Reilly's
?

Did you have napa run the 701-1798 number?
http://m.napaonline.com/tablet//parts/PartDetails.aspx?Id=BK_7011798_0361182575

Based on the link you supplied, I "reserved" the part online this evening.
I'll run over to the NAPA store Mon. morning and show them
the paperwork. Under $6.00. Hope it works.
Thanks,
Jerry

Go find/post, DADS50.

Jerry,

Please post the results.

It looks like it has the "seat" for sealing the bulb.

Still zero dark-thirty here.
Anxious to get over to NAPA with the printed "reservation"
and show it to the counter guys that twice could not find
the bushing. Maybe "NAPA Know How" will finally surface.
Jerry

Orta be at least a dozen or more NAPA stores around the Phoenix area, just try one where the counter guy knows what he's doing.

dg

Got the temp. adapter bushing from NAPA.
Part number: 701-1798, BK adapter. (probably Balkamp)
$5.67, tax 0.44, Total $6.11

Thanks DADS50, Tim, Denny, et. al.
Much appreciate all the help and advice.
Jerry

Denny:
It seems to be my luck to ALWAYS get the least experienced counter person at the auto parts store. Local NAPA store has a woman that knows NOTHING.
I need to put chalk marks behind her feet to see if she's moving. I refuse to deal with her and wait for one of the men. I do not have a gender bias... she just doesn't know beans about anything automotive.
Thanks for your help....
JB

I work a parts counter from my Sr. year in HS till I was 21 when
I joined the USAF. Back then you had better know your stuff or
you weren't working there long. Almost all the guys working
parts counters were gear heads or had some back ground in
automotive. Today all you need to know is how to punch buttons
on a confuser.
Amazing how much trouble one little brass reducer bushing can
cause, isn't it!
dg

Denny:
You are so right. When I finally led the NAPA guy by the nose to find the bushing,
he still didn't know how to find it on his own. That being said it was still 1000%
better than the kid at O'Reilly's who doesn't know a spark plug from a waterpump.
Like I always say: Knowledge is power and you better have your guns loaded
before you lay down the greenbacks.
Tks,
Jerry