Patent ID: 7341097

Claim:
In combination, a coolant sensor and connection port for selectively sealing an automotive cooling system, comprising: the connection port having an inner portion fluidly connected to a cooling system fluid channel and an open outer portion for receiving the coolant sensor, the inner portion having a first diameter and the outer portion having a second diameter, and a bleed channel fluidly connected to the outer portion, and the coolant sensor adapted for insertion into the connection port and retention in a first position and a second position, having a first portion forming a seal between the fluid channel and the connection port in the first position, and a second portion forming a seal at the outer portion of the connection port, wherein the bleed channel is fluidly connected to the outer portion of the connection port between the first and second portions of the coolant sensor in the first position, and is fluidly connected to the cooling system fluid channel with the coolant sensor in the second position, and the connection port includes at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture, and the coolant sensor is releasably retained in its first position by a clip received in said at least one first aperture and the coolant sensor is releasably retained in its second position by a clip received in said at least one second aperture.