Metal coolant flange clips?

[Rodgman15]

97 A4 TQM

for the third time in 6 months I've had to replace those crappy plastic clips that holds the coolant temp sensor and plug into the coolant flange on the back of the head. Does anyone know if they make metal clips that won't snap in half if I look at my motor funny? Getting tired of buying g12 lol

[walky_talky20]

I've never really had difficulty with the plastic retaining clips (other than hanging on to the stupid things during install). But there is a metal equivalent, as equipped on MK3-era Jetta's and what-have-you. 2 per car, actually:



The part number is 025-121-142. It seems like it may not be available from Audi/VW anymore, but you could try. Just make sure they aren't giving you the "updated" 032-121-142, that's the plastic one.



Link:
http://www.bahnbrenner.com/vw_audi/p...Retaining_Clip

It turns out Ford is using the same CTS as Audi in a few recent cars:



As such, Dorman (your favorite supplier of domestic "but where can buy just the ____" parts) has replacement Ford coolant sensor clips that appear to be metal in construction:


http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemde...SEName=800-019

[Mad Cow]

Nice to know, I keep 2 spare clips for this very reason. They're just so dang brittle, even brand new.

[walky_talky20]

Somebody should try these aftermarket Ford clips and give a full report to the class.

[JaysA4]

I picked up a CTS with a metal clip from O'Riellys. I'm pretty sure it was O'Riellys anyway.

[walky_talky20]

^Pics or it didn't happen.

[Rodgman15]

Good god that's good news.

Driving home from the rifle range yesterday and got a coolant light. I, like others it seems, had a spare plug and a few clips on the glove box luckily. But that was the final straw, time to find a replacement.

[Rodgman15]

I ordered a pair of those dorman metal clips, should be here early next week. I'll post fitment results.

[walky_talky20]

I hope they work out for you. Good Luck.

[Audifurdasleben]

Honestly never had this issue, maybe the O ring that you are using is slightly to large, causing the plastic clip to flex and eventually brake. Either way hope the metal ones work out for you, just remember it should basically seat by just pressing it in there the clip shouldn't be tight against the sensor, just touching.

[Mad Cow]

Honestly never had this issue, maybe the O ring that you are using is slightly to large, causing the plastic clip to flex and eventually brake. Either way hope the metal ones work out for you, just remember it should basically seat by just pressing it in there the clip shouldn't be tight against the sensor, just touching.

I've never had a problem with them randomly breaking, but if your hand so much as brushes up against it while working on something else it'll stay together just long enough for the coolant to heat up and suddenly you have a coolant explosion with no warning.

[Rodgman15]

I use strictly OEM Audi parts, so I know the o-ring is good.

These don't even look remotely close, but im gonna give them a shot to check fitment. If not, then I'm using circlips bent to hold.

[Brett]

I tried the Dorman/ford clips and they did not fit my b5. Since I replaced my after run sensor and used the plastic clip that came with it, I’ve had two coolant explosions leaving me on the side of the road. I now carry a box of o rings and extra g13 🤦.

the contact area of the sensor and clip is almost nothing, and it makes sense to me that with some heat, the sensor could slip past the clip. For whatever reason, I’ve only had this issue with the after run sensor even though I’ve got the same clips on the coolant temp and aux fan sensor. Maybe they are of varying quality and I just need a new one. Regardless, I got fed up and used a piece of stainless spring steel wire to fabricate my own clip. It was hella difficult getting the right shape with some rudimentary hand tools but I’m about to test it out.