Original 1957-1967 Temperature Senders, GM # 1513321

[David L.]

Back in the 1980's I collected many temperature senders from various 1959-1967 Chevrolet models in salvage yards. According my research in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, and 1967 Chevrolet parts catalogs GM # 1513321 was the part number listed for the following models:
1957-1961 ALL, CORVETTE
1962-1967 CORVETTE
1965 IMPALA (S.S.)
1965 PASS. (409)
1965-1967 PASS w, Floor console Gauges

Below are the stampings on my original temperature senders from 1959-1961 Chevrolet models:
" AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT " (stamped upside down)
" . AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT " (stamped upside down)
" .. AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT "
" ... AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT "
" AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT - B " (stamped upside down)
" AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT - B "

All of these temperature senders measure about 2.10" in overall length. The bottom part measures about 0.55" in diameter. All have an indentation on the bottom end with a depth of about 0.06" and a diameter of about 0.35".

All of these senders are GM # 1513321. Does anyone have an explanation for the minor stamping variations?

From Chevrolet Parts History GM # 1513321 was replaced with GM # 546702 in Nov. 1970 which was then replaced back to GM # 1513321 about 1978.

I also have a NOS 1513321 in a box dated Aug. 1983 which measures about 2.15", bottom part measures about 0.60" without any indentation. The stamping is as follows:
" .. AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT .* "

It is my belief that the "modern" 1513321 temperature senders do not give accurate temperature gauge readings and a resistor has to be added to give correct readings on the gauge.

Dave

[Joe R.]

Re: Original 1957-1967 Temperature Senders, GM # 1513321

AC Delco did not manufacturer everything that they sold just like GM and they sourced many parts to different manufacturers. As long as they would meet minimum criteria they would be used as vendors.
Sooooo, some varied in manufacturers specs and there were tolerances that were accepted by AC Delco.
Yes, everyone knows all the 1513321 temp sensors were not accurate.
Soooo, purchase the reproduction temp sensors that are accurate (stamp wise) and have the correct temperature reading with original and reproduction gauges which are on the market.

JR

[Pat H.]

Re: Original 1957-1967 Temperature Senders, GM # 1513321

David, I assume the way you listed thesis sensors that the early ones are at the top. I'm helping another member with a 59 that supposedly has an overheating issue. I did explain that the sender was probably the culprit. I just pull a few out of my parts bad to take them to his garage tomorrow. I can't remember which one is in my car, but the AC is upside down and appears to be relatively accurate. I have # 2,3,and 4 in a baggie.
Does anyone have any experience with the one that lectric sells. I bought one several years ago, but never installed it.

[David L.]

Re: Original 1957-1967 Temperature Senders, GM # 1513321

David, I assume the way you listed thesis sensors that the early ones are at the top. I'm helping another member with a 59 that supposedly has an overheating issue. I did explain that the sender was probably the culprit. I just pull a few out of my parts bad to take them to his garage tomorrow. I can't remember which one is in my car, but the AC is upside down and appears to be relatively accurate. I have # 2,3,and 4 in a baggie.
Does anyone have any experience with the one that lectric sells. I bought one several years ago, but never installed it.

Pat,
I have updated and corrected my chart showing what models the temperature senders were removed from as the 3rd and 4th sender were stamped "12V ...", not "12 VOLT".

"AC - MADE IN U..S.A. - 12 VOLT " (stamped upside down)
59 Chev. 6 cyl., 60 Chev. Truck (ser. 60), 59 Chev. 6 cyl., 61 Chev. 6 cyl.

" . AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT" (stamped upside down)"
60 Chev. 6 cyl., 59 Chev. 283 V8 "T1029D" (Oct. 29, 1958), 67 Chev. Truck 6 cyl. (Ser. 40)

.. AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 V ... "
60 Chev. 283 V8 "T0502D" (May 2, 1960), 60 Chev. 283 V8 "T0223D" (Feb. 23, 1960)

" ... AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 V ... "
63 Chev. truck 6 cyl., 61 Chev. 6 cyl., 61 Chev. 283 V8 "T0403DB" (Apr. 3, 1961), 61 Chev. 283 V8 "T0713D" (July 13, 1961), 61 Chev. 6 cyl., 59 Chev. 283 V8 "T520D" (May 20, 1959)

" AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT - B " (stamped upside down)
59 Chev. 6 cal., 58 Chev. 6 cyl., 60 Chev. 6 cyl., 58 Chev. 6 cyl. "F1016A" (Oct. 16, 1957)

" AC - MADE IN U.S.A. - 12 VOLT - B "
60 Chev. 6 cyl., 58 Chev. 6 cyl. , 59 Chev. 283 V8 "T519C" (May 19, 1959), 58 Chev. 283 V8 "T1216D" (Dec. 16, 1957), 58 Chev. 283 V8 "T0402D" (Apr. 2, 1958)

Note: the stamped "B" was quite unusual. The stamping actually was a backwards "P" overlapping a "B".

Dave