Oil Pressure Sending Unit on a 1998?
 

So, my oil pressure sending unit went up (100% sure that's what it is). I saw the video online of the guy who was able to remove it without removing the intake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PvlD...layer_embedded

After trying dilligently for about 45 minutes, I've concluded that there is an obsticle in the way [text is not mine]:

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...8&d=1318192158

Can whatever wire is wrapped in that foam thing just be unplugged and moved? Without doing that, it is not possible for the socket to fit down to where the sensor is.

Or am I trying something impossible from the get-go. I notive the video is of the later C5 engine with only one fuel line on the driver's side. Is it sufficiently different that this method of switching the sensor is impossible? I can take the intake off, but I really don't want to.

Just pull the intake man alot less head ache for sure... Robert

It takes very little effort and time to pull the intake.....do it and you'll be very happy you did.

You can have the intake off in 15-20 mins, Very easy to do.
You been working on yours for 45 mins and still not even close.

A cave man can do it.

I think I would just pull the intake and then do the TPE relocation mod.

Do I need gasket silicone or anything to put the intake back on?

No silicone is needed, In most cases you can use the o-rings again, If you can afford it I would get new o-rings to be safe.
Mr.Bill

Sorry to hear the video didn't help. I agree with Vetteman Jack. I would consider the TPE relocation kit. That way the job would be a snap the next time. Other than the job at hand, I hope you're lovin that NB "98 Coupe.:cool:

When I did my '98, I just slid the manifold forward 2-3 inches after removing the manifold and fuel line bolts. I don't think I even had to remove the fuel lines. I kept the same gaskets with no problems.

You'll want to extend that short, small vacuum (?) hose on the back passenger side while you're at it. It makes it a lot easier to reinstall the manifold when you have a bit more length on that hose. :thumbs:

Do you know off hand the part number of the rings? I've never dug into a Corvette engine before, so I have no idea what I'm looking for, or where they should go.

Alright guys; I did it. I did it without removing the intake, because I was feeling stubborn, using the video's instructions. That video is SEVERELY deficient in a couple areas. Honestly, it took me about an hour to do it (not counting the hour I wasted last night trying to figure out what was going on), but no joke, I could do it again in 25 minutes knowing what I know now.

The problem with the video is really twofold. First, that the insertion of the socket is harder than he makes it out to be; that foam hose I indicated has to be pulled up the firewall till its almost out of the bracket on the back of the fuel rail, then the ratchet will go in where it needs to. Once it's back there, it goes on the sender almost by magic; it's the only thing that sticks up in that area.

Second, and this was far more heinous of an oversight, I'm 6'3", and the guy that made that video must literally be the size of my shoe to have gotten even one finger into that hole. Not only couldn't I do it, but my 7% body fat fitness-freak wife couldn't get more than two fingers down there, and went back inside saying "I can't believe there's someone on earth who can get their hand in that space." I needed a new game plan. The silver bullet, that makes it all happen, is a set of these:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

(I got a MUCH cheaper set at Tru-Value, since its right down the road, and I don't anticipate needing them frequently).

With these, extracting the dropped old sensor, and plugging in the wire all took 10 minutes. That was the breakthrough that made the whole thing work. Here's a run-down of what I did:

1. Mark the new pressure sensor with a strip of bright, high visibility nail polish, or white-out, on the region where the clip attaches. This will help you figure out how to attach the clip once the sensor is inside.

2. Attachment 48379588

3. Then, use a coat hanger to grab the tab of the wire and pull it off. This took 5 seconds on the first try. The wire connects high up, so you don't even need to worry about losing the end down there. Just drag it up and out of the way.

4. Take a half inch drive ratchet, and connect it directly to a ten-inch extension, connected to a 1/2" wobble, connected to a 1&1/16" deep socket. Insert the socket that cranny, maneuver it down, and into the region of the sensor it went right on for me, after about a minute. It might be helpful to take the socket off the wobble, and push that down and towards the passenger side, until you get the end past that PCV hose, then carefully re-attach the wobble and push the socket down the rest of the way. Like I said, it went right on after 1-2 quick re-seatings. You'll know you've got it when you feel resistance.

5. Pull the assembly out. Be careful that the socket chain doesn't break, but if it does, you can easily grab the pieces with the pliers I showed above, since the mess of wires there landed everything I dropped on the lip with the oil pressure sensor, all 6-7 times I dropped it. Maybe it's possible for the chain to fall into the abyss, but it never did while I was doing it. Now that I know what stress it can take, I wouldn't lose it again.

6. Since, as we established, you have to be literally 4 feet tall to be able to reach the socket into its place with your fingers, I suggest you grab it with the pliers and get it started. Alternately, you can do what I stupidly did before I bought the pliers, which was to pack the 1&1/16" socket about 1/3 full with very tightly packed (rammed down with a screw-driver) toilet paper, and then seat the new pressure sensor on top of that, so that the threads just stick out the bottom, but no part of the hex bolt part of the sensor does. I also made a loop of single-sided scotch tape, with the sticky side out (like you'd use to affix a birthday card to a package) that was the size of the metal hex-part of the sensor, and stuck it inside the tip of the ratchet. This held the sensor in so it didn't drop out (the sticky part never touched the sensor, it was just the added size of the tape made the fit of the sensor in the socket much more snug). However, even though I didn't do it this way when I did it, the pliers should work much, much easier.

7. Insert the ratchet chain (with the sensor in the tip, if not already inserted). Find the hole by trial and error (took about 2 minutes of shuffling around), and tighten down. Again, you'll know you've cracked it when it gets tight.

8. pull the assembly off. It should come right off if you didn't load the socket with all that crap like I did, but if you did, the pliers will bring it up in as many pieces as are left down there, in seconds. It took me 1 minute to extract it.

9. Look at the new, seated sensor. Look for your mark. If you can't see it, it's in a very small, 30° region that is not visible, and that region is where the clip goes. Now situate your wire accordingly so it is in the right position to go on. Then, (and this is important), if you want to get the wire on easily, don't grab it by the plastic parts (any of them); grab it by the wire directly above the plastic plug. That will give you the firmest hold and the best position to shove it in. I was able to re-insert it in about 45 seconds.

Remove your tools, push that PCV pipe back down to where it was (just to be safe), and fire her up. Fixed!

Final note: If the pliers were the MVP of this job, this was a close second:

http://www.maglite.com/images/aacell2_candlemode.jpg

Take the mini-maglite, pull the top off and put it aside (not on the bottom). Then tie dental floss, twine or similar around the string hole in the end, and tie the other end to the oil filler cap, or anything else convenient. Then you can stick it or dangle it wherever you need. Excellent light for this job, though I strongly suggest attempting the job outside, during the day. You can't beat the sun's overpowering, diffuse light with anything that plugs into your house.

In summary:

Removing the wiring harness and securing it: seconds.

figuring out how to get the socket in the hole-1 hour 30 minutes, but mostly because of timidity and being unfamiliar with the LS1's layout.

Removing the old sensor-about 10 minutes.

Packing the socket to deliver the new sensor, and getting it in-about 15 minutes.

Re-attaching the wiring harness-seconds.

So you're looking at like a half hour job tops, if you don't make the mistakes I made. Sorry for no pics, it was abysmally dark when I did this, but if it ever goes up again, I'll use my Go-Pro Hero 2 to make an HD video with no cut-outs that illustrates what the original video did, but in much more detail, and without glitzing over the parts that are actually hard. I'll save taking the intake off for when I get the fast LSX intake.:cheers:

Excellent write-up! I need to do the one on my 98, as soon as the weather warms up.

c5 oil pressure sending unit
 

Hey guys! I know that this subject has been beat to death but I'd just like to say DO NOT CUT THE COWL on your car to replace the oil pressure sending unit. Remove the intake and install a relocate kit if it makes you happy. YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRAIN ANY FLUID (just pinch the hose off with vise grips) and you DON'T have to remove the fuel rail. Once everything's disconnected you will have ample room if you just pull the intake forward and swing it out of the way. For those pesky 2 rear intake bolts, put a tie wrap around them, pull them up and tighten the tie wrap. This will keep them from falling back into their respective holes when pulling the manifold forward. As for the little vacuum hose at the rear of the manifold that everyone forgets to reconnect...use a pair of hemostats to remove it then leave them crimped on the hose..they will be in your way so you won't be able to forget about reconnecting the hose. I hope this helps someone.

Thanks for the info.I have to say it was very easy.It took only 15 teen minutes from the time I opened the hood to the time I closed the hood.What I think that helped the most was the sending unit socket from napa auto parts part number 3458. It was very thin walled and locked in the sending unit. One flash light ,one wire similar to a coat hanger about a foot long. Socket,swivel,exstention,rachet. THANKS for the Help.

I CUT THE COWL, and never looked back....

Great write-up Endeka! :thumbs:

I just did the sensor swap the easy way just like the youtube video shows. My oil pressure sensor went out so I had to fix it.



It's really not that hard if you get the long nose pliers. The Youtube video does not mention that.

I really didn't want to cut anything under the wipers and I really didn't want to remove the intake.

I figured if the guy on youtube could do it, so could I.

It's a little tricky putting the socket into the small opening. But that really is the only hard part. As has been mentioned.

I also used a long flat blade screwdriver to help position the new sensor in place. Then I was able to use my fingertips to just barely touch the top of the sensor and get it started into the hole. I wear a XL glove, so it is possible to do this. The sensor only needs to barely start into the hole. It goes right in.

So there is no need to cut anything or remove the intake to replace the oil pressure sensor.

I'm sure I could do it in less than 30 minutes start to finish. It took me a little longer because the video didn't mention the long nose pliers and I had to figure that part out. I wish I had read this whole thread before I started. I see the OP already mentions that part.

Good job and write up Endeka. :thumbs:

Oh, and I have a 2000 FRC.

***

:iagree:"Congratulations! Glad to see that you succeeded. I also was able to to use the video and to school myself in the removal process. Once again,,, CONGRATULATIONS!"



007
:cool:

I'm getting ready to replace mine.

One question......Do you put anything on the threads of the new sensor like teflon tape or a liquid sealer?

Thanks

Rock

My new sending unit had something on it already. But I went ahead and put on some teflon tape anyway.

Good luck.

Tips?
 

I got the new oil pressure sensor installed but can not get the harness clipped back on. Once you position the harness over the sensor what do you use to push it back on? I can not get my hand or finger tips to reach behide the intake manifold. Does the foam tube have to be moved out of the way totally or is there some sort of tool that you use to push down on the harness.

Update: I couldn't get the harness to latch so I drilled a 1 1/2" hole in the cowl using a hole saw, I then used the handle of a long wooden spoon to push down on the harness connector throught my new access hole. Patched the hole with duct tape and reinstalled the tray and wiper blades. Hole saw cut throught the fiber glass like butter but make sure the foam tube and harness are out of the way before drilling.

Hey guys,

I think mine just went out on my 1998. Its reading 100% pressure.. pegged. I'll go back down and get the digital read to make sure but after reading this I think I can replace the part, since I'm a woman I have small hands.. haha Anyone know what the actual part # is for the 1998 model? Automatic if that makes a difference.

As a point of reference I used O'Reilly Auto Part number S4202 Oil Pressure switch for $40.99 on my 2001. My old sensor fell behind the engine and I never found it.

Great thanks! I went out to the car and checked it out.. I'm not going to be able to do it and my brothers don't live anywhere around here so will probably have to take it to a shop. I took off one of the plastic pieces, that covers the motor, and still wasnt sure exactly what needed to be removed. That motor is tight! But I will pick up the part first. I just had a rear wheel bearing replaced and saved $200 on the part just getting it myself thru AZ. Thanks for the tip on the part #!

Got the part..thanks. $52 in northern California but it has the brass fitting. From what I have read its a lot better than the less expensive ones. Thanks

nice write up!

golfbum
 

What is the trick to remove the clip for the cable? It is in the back and the coat hanger doesn't get it.

Oil Pressure Sending Unit Remopval
 

I would love to get started on this project but with the clip that secures the cable to the unit being 180 degrees from my eyesight, I am unable to unsnap it to remove the cable. Any tool suggestions would help. Have tried long nose bent pliers, long screw driver, coat hanger with no help. 2000 Vette, large hands, I am 71, running out of patience but too stubborn to give up.

I know this is an old thread but i'm new and i'm having the same problem you had with oil sending unit on my 98 corvette. Is that big hose pretty flexible, on mine it's connected to valve cover and I'm afraid to pull on it very hard.. I'm like you the video on changing sensor doesn't have the two fuel lines like mine, I can't even see my oil sensor because of that hose.
thanks
Gary

Oil Pressure Sensor done - no intake removal
 

Tony's Corvette Shop in Maryland did the oil pressure sensor in my 2000 C5 57K miles yesterday in about 90 minutes. Used that thin wall socket and had no problems. No need to remove the intake.

Ed did the actual wrench-work and he is very skilled at Corvette repair.

:yesnod:

I live in MO and they want $385.00 to change it. My problem now is a hose in the way it goes to back end of drivers side valve cover and i'm afraid of ruining it try to get it off it feels like a plastic line wrapped in foam housing. Can't figure how to take it loose .

I just changed out the oil pressure sensor in this new 98 I just acquired. I will tell you that it is so much easier to remove the manifold than it is to fight with no space to work for the sender.

I was going to go the "Not Remove Manifold" way, but when I saw how tight it was, I figured I would just remove the manifold. Since the manifold is sealed with o rings, there's not conventional gaskets you have to worry about. It really is so much easier to get the manifold out of the way.

You can then get your sending unit socket and ratchet or wrench in there so much easier and you can be assured it's sealed when you're tightening it up.

Just my .02.

X2...lots of room to work with the intake out of the way

Thank you Mr Cad guess it sounds easy and best to remove intake, it just looks like a lot of work, will give it a try, keeping fingers crossed

Yes. You'll be happy you did it this way. Very easy. I took extra time and removed the throttle body and cleaned it, as well as cleaned up anything else that looked like it needed it.

Have fun!

I rebuilt the pcv system with fittings and hoses from Oreillys. Where the two hoses comes together behind the passenger side head, I teed them together. Cost me maybe $15 to rebuild the whole system including new pcv valve. Replace the hoses you need to, keep the ones that haven't cracked yet.

That is just to much hassle to avoid pulling the intake mani. I can have the intake pulled install the new sensor then put everything back together before you even get the socket on it with out pulling the manifold.

It literally took me 20 minutes to do the job the first time and I know I am more efficient now.

Does the fuel line need to be disconnected ?

It helps but you can just flip the manifold out of the way. I removed the line on mine if you have the tool to remove it takes less than 30 seconds just have some rags over the line so you don't take a fuel shower

Then that's a job I'll be talking this weekend.
I'll have to disconnect the fuel line anyway. As long as the intake is off, I will be swapping out it with a FAST 92mm intake with 42lb injectors. :yesnod:

Just did this job on my '99 today without removing the intake. I got it done, but had much grief with the hose mentioned above being in the way, getting the threads to start, and getting the wire back on. Had all the tools mentioned in the two videos I watched and then some. Only thing easy was dropping the socket on the unit and removing it. Next time, I'm going to remove the intake to do it.

Just did this over the weekend. Very helpful writeup. Took about 2 hours and change, but I was taking my time and thinking things through very carefully. I needed to innovate a bit to get the new one in without falling out of the socket, and of course the connector ended up being 180.0000 degrees from where the old one was, so I think an hour was spent finagling that connector into place with a long screwdriver and piece of coat hanger wire. The stiff wire did not want to let me turn the connector!

It is so cool to look back at the note I sent in 2016 about having Tony's Corvette Shop replace my oil pressure sensor in my 2000 C5. Well, those terrible GM OEM aluminum sensors don't last. So after five years, I just had Tony's Corvette Shop replace it again. It started reading at max again and when we pulled it out and looked at it, it was full of leaking engine oil. I am operational again, totally due to the great service at Tony's Corvette Shop. Took 1.5 hours. Did not remove the intake. Changed out a turn signal light and did an oil change and filter also.

Running fine now.