I got a call from the wife this morning.. "The temp gauge is all the way to the red" Did you shut the car off?? I asked, "Well no, I'm almost to where I'm going"

I thought that I taught her better than this, anyway, I had her pop the hood, check the expansion tank.... empty. She then described a device about .75" in diameter with two wires to it that was just "hanging there" near the radiator. After further interrogation, I determined it was the temp sensor in the radiator which is secured via a press fit into a rubber grommet in the radiator.

She then told me she left the car running yesterday for about 10 minutes in 85 degree heat. The drive home was only 5 minutes @ 30 mph after this. And she had only been driving 5 minutes after she called me this morning. So, hopefully the exposure wasnt too bad. Do you think I am screwed??? Was there maybe enough water in the engine to keep it somewhat cool?? This car has been fantastically reliable, and wouldnt you know it I just put on new rubber, exhaust, and Volvo rotors and pads all around.


Most importantly, what causued this sender to be forced out of the radiator?? Is this a common failure?? Shouldnt the expansion tank cap relieve excess pressure??

Help,

Matt



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'82 DL - 158k, '93 945 - 116k