The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1954 235 capillary tube temp sending unit size

I am looking for the size of a plug for the capillary tube sending unit on a 1954 235 head. I am replacing my gauges. I am also looking for help on adjusting my rocker arms, I just put the head back on following a complete valve rebuild. Any help is gratly appreciated.

5/8-18 UNF straight for the plug


http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/valveadjustment.htm

I was going to suggest the same tech tip but DADS50 beat me to it. I used that tech tip on my 235 and all worked out fine.

Love this forum! Thanks for such a quick response, DAD50. Now I can get the valves adjusted and the plug in place. Can't wait to get her back on the road.

She's a 1950 3100 refrigerator white with a 1954 235 and a muncie 21 4-speed.

I became very familiar with that thread size when I was adapting it for and electric sender. I also have a 54 235.

pre68dave helped me with the info.

DADS50, I am curious, how did you end up adapting it for a sending unit?

Ok anyone, I have a new question for the same thing. The capillary tube fits into the water jacket against a lip or flange. The nut tightens down to the flange on the capillary tube making the fitting water tight (I assume). Can I just run a 5/8" -18 1/2 " bolt down and use permatex on the bolt to make this a water tight fitting or plug? Actually, the head on the bolt won't torque tight down on the head as the 1/2" is too long, so it's really just threads I am guessing.

you can get a 5/8"-18 oil drain plug and a copper washer. ran mine like that for a couple of years. Or if you make the end of the bolt pretty much perfectly square with the axis of the bolt, (I.E. turn it on a lathe or very, very carefully on a grinder) then put a copper washer underneath between the bolt and the shoulder in the block. I wouldn't just put in a bolt as the ends of bolts aren't really too well finished. Either way would work well. I am pretty sure I wouldn't trust permatex in that situation, it was never intended to perform that kind of service.

Thanks for the suggestion, sounds like it should work well.

Hey brokenhead,
Thanks for the idea of the 5/8"-18 oil drain plug and copper washer-it works great.
Now I just have to figure out why I am getting a coolant leak by the head gasket on number 3 piston. Just filled the radiator up and was turning the engine by hand to do the valve adjustment and a very small leak started. I rechecked my head bolt torque and it is correct.It's coming out on the side by the manifold. Just finished a valve job and reinstalling everything, too. Challenges...oh well.