Don't forget option #3, which is even easier. Add the temp sensor to the block by retaping the existing hole. Then no welding is needed and the 128 housing and hoses will work as is.
Yes there is on a later 1500 block.There is no existing temp sensor hole in the engine block for him to retap.
Yes there is on a later 1500 block.
I see where your confusion is Jeff. In post #24 I was referencing the prior discussions in this thread regarding the option of mounting the FI temp sensor on the head rather than on the T-stat housing. That option was discussed in detail, with photographs, in those discussions. When I referred to that option in post #24, I inadvertently said "on the block", when I meant to say "on the head". I've gone back to correct that. Hopefully @Red128 knew what I was referring to.We're talking about the 1981-86 X1/9 1500 FI 10-bolt engine; this is Red128's 1985 engine:
View attachment 40610
Here's a similar 1500FI engine with both sides of the block shown:
View attachment 40611 View attachment 40612
Where is the temp sensor port on the block that you're talking about? Can you point it out for us in the photos?
I attempted to swap the temperature sensor from the thermostat housing with the temperature dash gauge sensor on the head like Dr. Jeff mentioned earlier but the hole is too big. So that option is out.
Now the question is, would the temperature sensor thread perfectly into the strada thermo housing? Or would it have to be fitted or would the hole be too large?
Given his engine is freshly rebuilt and assembled, I had the impression he was reluctant to drill another port where that blank bung is (see pic below), but that is an option. However why ignore the use of an inline adapter in the hose (as shown in post #13)? That makes much more sense than modifying the head or T-stat housing.
Actually your sarcasm fooled me too. I thought you were saying you did not like the hose adapter idea.I fully agree, but every time we've mentioned it, we just got chirping.
Perhaps I should've written "...since Red128 is completely ignoring the simple use of an inline adapter pipe w/sensor port being installed into the upper radiator hose...", & my sarcasm would've shown through a little more? LOL
It's the easiest & likely the cheapest solution in this case; no drilling/tapping/machining of the cylinder head is needed, the correct 128 thermostat housing & radiator hoses can be used, installing the adapter pipe is simple & the original ECU sensor wiring should reach without modification. But for some reason Red128 seems to be fixated on using a Strada thermostat unit, instead.