is my NEW oil level sensor broken?

[shobikes]

I just got my new oil level sensor via UPS from FordPartsNetwork.com. It was just rattling around in a much bigger empty box with no packing. Being excited to receive this the last piece in my rod bearing replacement puzzle, I opened it right up and noticed the sensor rattles.

It has this laminated dark plastic-looking piece floating around loose inside the outer metal "cage". I've not handled one of these ever, and want to know from someone who has: Is that normal? Is that inner element supposed to be floating around in there?

Maybe a stupid question, but I don't want to be foiled on the day of reckoning by having to put my old leaky sensor back in until I can get a replacement sent, what with the "We are not responsible for damages incurred in shipping," and the "Any claims for damage must be filed with carrier," and the "All returned parts must be issued a Return Authorization number, or they will be returned to user." That seems like it might take awhile.

What say ye?

<small>[ February 05, 2004, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: shobikes ]</small>

 

[shobikes]

bump-

C'mon - anyone?

 

[Off Road SHO]

Both of my brand new ones were loose also. That plastic tube floats in my old ones that were still working also.

Tom

 

[shobikes]

Off Road SHO:
Both of my brand new ones were loose also. That plastic tube floats in my old ones that were still working also.

Tom

Righteous!! Thanks, Tom!

-Anybody know how this thing works? Is it proximity (magnetic), or resistance, or what? What makes it actuate? Mine went on this a.m., so I rushed over to Valvoline thumb (free Synthetic top-offs!), but it was only a quart down. Not good, but usually if I go long enough to get the light it's close to TWO quarts down (only once - I swear!)