radiator exploding

[copperlite]

hello,

I've installed a coolant temp sensor in my 88' nissan sentra, I installed it on the coolant hose coming out of the heater core that goes into the water pump and then to the radiator. I have a couple problems with this. First the most pressing, i've had the heater core hose burst and the upper radiator hose just burst a few minutes ago. It seems too much pressure is being built up, but i cant imagine why, i'm using a 1/2" brass tee fitting for the sensor, and it seems like there wouldn;t be any kind of interuption in the flow because of it, but i guess i'll check on that. The second problem is that i'm getting really low readings, like 120 degrees, i'm getting LOTS of heat blowing out of the vents, so i know the car is in fact heating up, is this the wrong place for the sensor or what??? I hope someone can help me.

[curtis73]

Not sure about the blowing hoses, but you're getting low readings because of where your sensor is. The heater core never gets a high volume of super hot water. The best place to get a temp sensor is somewhere just before the thermostat, like somewhere in the head. Chances are there is a threaded plug somewhere in the water jacket of the head that you can get it in.

[copperlite]

it is right after the thermostat, right after the upper radiator hose.

[benchtest]

The system pressure is controlled by the radiator cap. Have it checked or just replace it.

[MagicRat]

Chances are the coolant is being cooled by the heater core, before it gets to the sensor.
The best place for the sensor is screwed into an existing port on the intake manifold (coolant passage) or the cylinder head coolant jacket.
Also if you have burst these 2 items, you may have a blown head gasket, not just normal cooling system pressure)

[benchtest]

Copperlite, Curtis and Magic are correct about the sensor location. Sorry for the previous rushed post (at work), I was not attempting to diagnose the problem just providing info for you to attempt your own diagnosis. From what little information you have provided (upper hose and heater hose blown), there are a couple things to check. 1) Are these 16 year old hoses? If so, was the coolant changed just as often? 2) Radiator cap. You need the correct equipment to check it. 3)Possible blown gasket. You said you had heat (a good sign). Is it using coolant? Is the overflow tank staying at the same level hot and cold, or is it empty? Curtis...thanks for the post with Mr. Buick. I don't have the time to type that much. Nice.