Would not buying a coolant sending unit directly from GM cause any side effects to a fuel injected engine?

Question

This is a 1987 GM pickup with a 350 tbi in it.I am talking about the coolant sending unit for the computer and not the guage.Would not buying a new one directly from GM and getting another one from a local parts shop cause any problems or side effects to my engine.Can the specs be different from an aftermarket one from the original factory one?Can the aftermarket one be a little off than the original telling the computer that the engine is a different temperature than it actually is causing a lean or rich condition in fuel.Thanks

Answer 1

Here's a case where all parts may not be created equal. Many replacement sending units and fan switches are coming into the country from inexpensive Asian manufacturers. Some of them are perfect copies, some are absolutely horrible. My experience is that an original AC Delco part will have consistent quality. If you buy a non-GM part, be sure you can return it.

The coolant sending unit does affect fueling, an innacurate one will screw up your ECU's ability to regulate the engine.

Answer 2

It shouldn't make any difference. The aftermarket parts are supposed to meet the Original manufacturer's specs, so the truck should run as if you bought the part from GM. If the FI is acting up, it might have a bad sensor. ( Map, oxygen,or idle, sensor) You might want to have the computer put on an analyzer and have it checked, or you can try resetting the computer by unhooking the negative post of the battery and leave it off for 15 minutes and reconnect it. By resetting the computer it may or may not take care of the problem. Good luck.

Answer 3

No it will not matter.
Make sure when requesting the aftermarket one that you clearly give the correct speck (make/model)
The only thing that could effect the computer in this area is if you replace the thermostat with the wrong temp. ie: 190 200 ect.
Good Luck

Answer 4

no, you would just be paying more because it has GM name on it.

Answer 5

is it NAPA? is reliable