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Water Temp Sender 806490T – MerCruiser Sterndrive/Inboard

Vendor: JLM Marine
Availability: In Stock
Product Type: Sensor
$43.77
$43.77
Subtotal: $43.77

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Water Temperature Sensor – Fits Mercury/Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, OMC (Replaces 3853787, 806490T) - JLM Marine Boat Parts Limited

Water Temp Sender 806490T – MerCruiser Sterndrive/Inboard

$43.77

How to Match This Part

This aftermarket engine water temperature gauge sender replaces Mercury / MerCruiser 806490T. It threads into a coolant passage (thermostat housing, intake manifold, or cylinder head) and sends the temperature signal to your dash gauge. It is a dual-station sender with a single 10-32 stud terminal, so one unit can drive two US ohm-scale temperature gauges when the wiring supports dual-station use.

Match this part in this order:
1. OEM number on the removed sender (stamped or printed on the hex body)
2. Thread size of the sender port — this unit is 3/8"-18 NPT; some engines use 1/2"-14 NPT instead
3. Engine identification on MerCruiser sterndrive / inboard: model and serial on the engine block or flame arrestor cover plate

Identify the form: hex body, tapered male pipe thread, sensing probe into the coolant, and one top stud terminal (gauge wire under the stud nut — no pigtail harness).

Part Number Cross-Reference

Use this table to confirm equivalent OEM and aftermarket numbers for the same sender style. Numbers written with or without leading zeros refer to the same catalog item when listed under one brand.

Type Brand Part Number Notes
OEM Mercury / MerCruiser 806490T Primary original equipment number
OEM Mercury / MerCruiser 97257A1 Superseded / prior catalog number, same sender
OEM Volvo Penta 3853787 Equivalent temperature sender number
OEM OMC Cobra 980613 Equivalent temperature sender number
Aftermarket Sierra 18-5897 Direct replacement, dual station
Aftermarket Mallory 9-42400 Direct replacement
Aftermarket OBR MR-583 Direct replacement

Compatible Engine Models

Confirm your application by OEM number and thread size before ordering. On MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines, the model and serial identification is on the engine block or the flame arrestor cover plate. You can also cross-check parts breakdowns in the Mercury Parts Diagrams. Important: some engines were built with a 1/2"-14 NPT sender port instead of 3/8"-18 NPT — always compare the thread on the sender you remove.

Brand / Drive Type Application Notes
MerCruiser sterndrive (MCM) and inboard (MIE) Engines calling for sender 806490T Confirm 3/8"-18 NPT port and gauge wiring
Volvo Penta sterndrive / inboard Applications using sender 3853787 Confirm by number on the removed sender
OMC Cobra sterndrive Applications using sender 980613 Confirm by number on the removed sender

Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Primary OEM 806490T
Product type Engine water temperature gauge sender
Thread size 3/8 in. – 18 NPT
Terminal 10-32 threaded stud (single terminal)
Gauge stations Dual station
Gauge scale compatibility US ohm-scale marine temperature gauges
Application MerCruiser MCM/MIE coolant temperature signal to dash gauge

Installation Guide

1

Allow the engine to cool fully. Disconnect the battery negative cable and relieve cooling-system pressure per the service manual before opening the sender port.

2

Label and remove the gauge wire from the old sender stud. Unscrew the old sender and compare its thread to this 3/8"-18 NPT unit. Do not force a mismatched thread.

3

Apply a thin coat of marine-grade thread sealant suitable for NPT fittings (avoid sealant on the electrical stud). Thread the new sender in by hand, then tighten snugly with the correct wrench — do not over-torque the body.

4

Reconnect the gauge wire under the 10-32 stud nut with the insulating washer seated correctly. Refill / burp the cooling system, reconnect the battery, start the engine, and check for coolant leaks and a stable gauge reading as the engine warms.

If you are unsure about dual-station wiring or gauge calibration, have a marine technician complete the install.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?+

This is an aftermarket JLM Marine replacement matched to MerCruiser 806490T form and thread. It is not a genuine Mercury / MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, or OMC part.

My old sender has a larger thread — will this fit?+

No. This sender is 3/8"-18 NPT. Engines that use a 1/2"-14 NPT sender need a different part. Measure or compare the removed sender before ordering.

Will it work with my existing temperature gauge?+

It is intended for US ohm-scale marine temperature gauges in dual-station configurations. European ohm-scale gauges or a mismatched sender/gauge pairing can read incorrectly — match your gauge system before swapping.

Gauge still reads wrong after install — what next?+

Recheck stud insulation and ground path, confirm the coolant level and burp, and verify you installed the 3/8" sender in a 3/8" port. Persistent errors can be wiring, gauge, or thermostat issues rather than the sender alone.

Important Notes

  • Verify OEM 806490T (or the listed equivalents) and 3/8"-18 NPT thread against the removed sender before purchase.
  • This is an aftermarket replacement and is not a genuine Mercury / MerCruiser component.
  • Professional installation and a post-install leak / gauge check are recommended.

Why Choose JLM MARINE?

  • Precision Fit: Thread and terminal layout matched to MerCruiser 806490T dual-station sender applications.
  • Quality Control: Each batch is inspected for dimensional consistency and workmanship.
  • Direct from Manufacturer: Aftermarket marine parts engineered for reliable gauge-sender service.

We can ship to virtually any address in the world with free shipping available for most regions.

For our typical US and Canadian customers , our shipping timeframes are as follows:

  • Amazon FBA: orders will be delivered within 1-5 business days after placing the order (during certain special periods such as major promotions, Christmas, etc., the delivery time of Amazon FBA may be affected).
  • US warehouse shipment: orders will be delivered within 5 days after placing the order.
  • China warehouse shipment: orders will be delivered about 12 days after placing the order.

When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.

Founded in 2002, JLM Marine has established itself as a dedicated manufacturer of high-quality marine parts, based in China. Our commitment to excellence in manufacturing has earned us the trust of top marine brands globally.

As a direct supplier, we bypass intermediaries, which allows us to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality. This approach not only supports cost-efficiency but also ensures that our customers receive the best value directly from the source.

We are excited to expand our reach through retail channels, bringing our expertise and commitment to quality directly to boat owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

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