Oil Leak: Maybe a Sensor?

[325iPaulo]

Last week, I started to notice a puddle of oil underneath the motor. I cleaned the engine with degreaser, put it up on a ramp and gave it a once over with a flashlight and it seems the source is from a plug right by the oil filter where some kind of a sensor (small wire with a plug) comes out. If it helps any, it only seems to leak when I push on the throttle...

Does anyone know what this sensor is and why there is oil coming out?

[lordofthewaters]

That's the oil pressure switch. It controls the oil pressure light in your cluster. They will leak eventually, and are easy to fix.


(http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=oil+pressure+switch&I1.x=0&I1.y=0&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON)

[E30bimmer]

same leak i had..they cost like 8 bucks at ur nearest autozone...make sure to replace the metal gasket ring too, which is probably the reason its leaking. 10 min job, tops.

[325iPaulo]

How do I get the damn thing out? I tried pulling on it, tried prying it off with a flat head screw driver yet was unable to get it off.

[lordofthewaters]

It's threaded and screws in. I used a deep 15/16 socket when I changed mine.

[325iPaulo]

Are we talking the same thing here because that connection is only about 8 -10mm?

[lordofthewaters]

The only "sensor" around the oil filter is the oil pressure switch. Mine was way bigger than a 10mm. You should look a little closer, the hex will be recessed........

[cliffmac]

typically shows up on the other side of the block, the intake side when in fact the sensor is on the exhaust side of the block, the oil tends to travel through the sleeve and leak on the other side...you probably will need a 22mm deep socket to remove/replace the sensor....good luck...cliff

[325iPaulo]

Thanks guys!

[lordofthewaters]

You may want to check out your oil filter housing while you're down there. The "O" ring is known to fail and cause leakage......

[325iPaulo]

OK, I have tried to remove the old oil pressure switch and am having some problems. Unfortunately, I dont have a hydraulic jack or am unable to raise the car any more than about 18 inches off the ground. Combined with where the switch is located and how it is connected to a rubber boot, I cant quite figure out a way to get it off. I've used a screw driver to try and pop it off, tried to pull it from the boot... nothing. The way this mofo is leaking, I gotta do something.

Any body have any advice how with a regular set of tools and no way to really get the car off the ground, how I can get the old switch off?

[wrwy]

Is there a pep boys around where u can get it up on a lift? I replaced the oil sensor on my 87 I had a few years back and the only way to really see what is going on is to get it up on a lift. Or maybe a quick lube shop that has underground pits so you can see what is going on.