Can't find a water temp switch for '75-78 280z

[RonK]

Any leads on where I can find a Water temperature switch for '75-'78 280z. I'm seeing a lot of interchange of the terms "water temperature switch" and "water temperature sensor". From what I'm seeing they're not the same. The FSM says "water temperature switch"

[Zed Head]

Anyone who's changed distributors on a dual pickup or dual point car to a single pickup distributor should have the unused switch still in the thermostat housing. It's only purpose is to advance the timing about 6 degrees when cold. It's described in the Emissions section of the FSM.

The FSM doesn't interchange the terms but many people do. The sensor is a temperature dependent resistor that is "used" by the ECU to add fuel when cold. The switch changes the circuit used by the ignition module from one distributor pickup to the other, depending on temperature.

The sensor affects fuel, the switch affects timing.

There are a lot of broken switches out there. They have a small affect on engine performance, and only when cold. On the other hand, a messed up sensor affects fuel all of the time.

People have made the switch from MSA work on the 280Z engine. Apparently the activation temperature is slightly different but since the switch has little effect it's not noticeable.

Edited June 8, 2012 by Zed Head