new guy question

[Rspider]

I was looking around the engine compartment of my 83 for things that could be optional and possibly get ditched. There are a couple of things in the cam valley with a wire attached. I've taken a quick look through the manual and didn't see knock sensors listed anywhere. What are these things? Temp sensors? Flux capacitors? Muffler bearings? megasquirt parts are en route and looking to clean up the engine bay wherever possible. Any help in identifying optional stuff is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[EddieJames]

Post a photo - let's have a looksie.

[narfire]

first guess is right. For the temp gauge in the car

[mdrburchette]

There should be two for the temp gauge. They might be something you wanna keep. Welcome to the forum. Have any pics of your car? Where are you located?

[Rspider]

Thanks for the info guys! Ok, next stupid question. Why 2 sensors for the temp gauge? Is one for the gauge and one for a light? Or for the ECM? I'm near Columbus, Oh. It's warming up over the next couple of days, hopefully I'll have some time to perform some dis-assembly. This spider is a rust-bucket. I bought it 'cause it runs and was a cheap way to get familiar with these cars. Sorry no current pics but will work on that.

[mdrburchette]

One is a thermostatic switch that pegs the gauge needle to hot and works independently of the other sender that actually works the gauge. I don't know why they felt a need for both, but all of them have it so you'd think if it was unnecessary, they would have saved money and eliminated the first one.

[Exit98]

Hi rspider & Happy New Year.

If you've spent any time looking around this board you already know that Spiders and rust are a bad marriage.

Think very carefully before you invest much $ in a rusty spider unless you are quite the metalsmith.

Good luck.