G'day guys...
I got a pickle. I have a coolant temperature switch/sensor for a thermofan that i need to mount, but the adapter i got where i want to mount it has
too small a thread to fit in the temperature sensor (sensor is m16 x 1.5)
the thread size looks too large for a cheap $30 tap and die set to do the trick. I'm sure this will only take a pro 5 mins to smash out, and was
wondering if there might be anyone handy or any workshop that anyone could recommend that could help me?
the adapter where the hole will be is only soft aluminium, and i don't want any fancy thread. As long as it will take it, and i will use plumbers
teflon tape to give it that final seal.
Heck, even if someone is able to drill out the original small hole and tig a suitable nut flush and sealed to the aluminium adapter, it doesn't worry
me as long as it works.
Any help always appreciated.
Chris 
oh! and the thread doesn't appear to be high tensile, and the temp sensor is copper. 
Oh boy, you really need to be a little more specific...
lol, sorry John. i will look at proper sizes in the morning,
But just looking someone who might have a reasonable range of taps for larger threads and what not.
I'm not sure that this kinda stuff is really suitable for a generic mechanics workshop, and whether its not hardcore enough for an engineering
workshop. Lifes challenges haha.
I have got some various tech articles with different descriptions of ID-ing threads.
Whats the best way to describe it? outter most diameter and thread gap(pitch)??
Find out exactly what thread it is first - it may say on the package. I may be M10x1.0, or 1/8 BSP, or even NPT
The local Pirtek people down our way are helpful, perhaps you could try you local shop.
Don't rush it.
Cheers, Greg
Unless you identify the thread, no one will give you an answer...or at least find out, what is the sensor out of, that may indicate the type of thread...
Woah! i was wrong sorry.
not 10mm, 16mm....
I got this info from the net: M16 x 1.5
http://www.autoparts007.com/oem_89428-20060/Detail_3038_Temperature-Switch.html
Suits my part number.
thanks for the responses so far John and Greg, will give pirtek a call in Springwood tomorrow and see if they are interested.
What about your local machine shop? They do all types of fitting and machining,welding,drilling ,tapping etc.These guys are pros and have the equipment to suit most jobs.
thanks Grumble. i'll pull out the ol' yellow pages and do a few phone calls :P
hardest part was me trying to work out what exact tradie to call for such a duty lol
Just diy. If it's a m16 thread. Drill a 14.5 mm hole, and then just tap it out. It will be piss easy. Like you said soft metal.
Make sure that whoever does the job is competent, or you could be in for trouble later.
The thread may be M16, but is it tapered? Many fittings such as that ARE.
Pirtek couldn't help?
What about DB. He's not 'that' far away from you ??
At least he's competent.
I hope it's VW though .
Hi Greg, i gave pirtek a call and they said they would be able to do such, then i told them the dimensions, and they said sorry we don't have the
right tap for that thread. but they were nice and friendly about it. He said he kept alot of imperical ones rather than metric. He said for the price
it costs for someone to do it, i should just buy the tap, and it would be about the same price. but i'm a little antsie about it being a pressure
fitting. Dad rekons he knows what to do, so its time to put the scholar hat on and learn. I spose a little education would be priceless.
haha, Mat when the sun hits it right, u can't tell the difference. I always pretend its me' dub. its the daily driver, being given a VERY long term
solution to not blow up on me for quite some time. I won't go into detail....
just looked this up on Blackwoods. Trade price is about $14. Id imagine retail price might be say $25-ish. Just drill a 14.75mm hole (or 14.5 if thats
the closest) and tap it. If you dont have a tap holder, a shifter will work too
http://www2.blackwoods.com.au/PartDetail.aspx?part_no=06619408