Right, it was a pain. I did cut the bushing in half to make a better fit and used liquid soap to get it in all the way. The sensor is pushed in up to the base and physically will not go in further. I just spoke to BAT and explained my question and he said as long as the tip of the sensor was exposed (the bulb shape part of the element), that it would be fine. If anything, it might read a cooler temperature which should help with the timing changes in warm weather.
You can be Phil too if you'd like. 