Oil Level Sender Removal

[Zap]

All I need to do to complete my Rod Bearing job is to remove the oil level sender so I can clean the oil pan well and then reseal it. I can't do that while it is still attached and keeping the pan under the car. How exactly does the thing separate from the pan? Do you turn the whole piece or just the top "separated" piece or what? I can't seem to get it to budge. The thing is rusty looking, so I figure I'll probably need to use some PB. After I finish with this, I can finally proceed with the clutch reassembly!!!

 

[h1h0silver]

i was wondering how the oil sending unit is removed too. i noticed that i have a minor leak coming from it. would i have to replace the whole unit, or is there a gasket?

 

[Zap]

There is a gasket available for a buck or two. For that matter, I don't see how the unit can be replaced anyway. It is hardwired into the wiring.

 

[h1h0silver]

oh ok. i just hope the unit isn't cracked or anything then. doesn't look like it. thanks

 

[masho95]

Just use a large wrench. Don't remember the size but you should clearly be able to see the six sides of the nut holding it in. Almost flush with the oil pan I believe.

Edit: Not a nut.. the sensor spins out as a unit of the threads in the oil pan.

<small>[ January 26, 2004, 01:53 AM: Message edited by: masho95 ]</small>

 

[masho95]

Zap:
For that matter, I don't see how the unit can be replaced anyway. It is hardwired into the wiring.

It's hardwired into the wiring??? There's just a push on connector that's attached to the oil level sensor.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Just use a pick to remove the retaining ring that holds the connector in the sender, then the connecter will unplug. If the sender isn't leaking, there's no reason to remove it.

 

[Zap]

Okay, thanks for the info.. I surely didn't want to have to worry about the sensor leaking if it isn't now. When you say to remove the retaining ring, is that a metal piece or the rubber boot type thing around the wire?

Thanks!

 

[fricker66]

The retaining ring is on the metal sensor. No need to peel back the boot/insulation on the wiring.

 

[Zap]

I must just be very confused, but I want to make sure I've got things straight so I can finish this part of the project and get underway with the clutch reassembly as soon as the weekend starts. I can use a pick to pull the metal retaining ring out without removing the whole sensor from the pan? I guess it looked to me like you had to use a wrench to remove it or something. My goal is to get the pan out from under the car to clean the exterior and mating surface before I RTV it. Additionally, should I clean anything inside the pan and how should I go about doing that?

 

[Gez89SHO]

Correct, the retaining ring can just be removed and then the wire can be removed from the sensor. The ring is square, like this []. Its inside the hex of the sensor.