Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 16, 2009, 12:18:34 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 16, 2009, 12:18:34 PM
So I found my little leak. The Low oil level sensor leaks from the area where it plugs into the harness. It leaks enough that if I let the car sit for a week a get a puddle about 3" in diameter (but I only loose maybe about 1/2 a quart over the 6 months I drive the car). So I'm going to replace it when I do an oil change. My question is how the hell do you unplug the wires from it? I've looked at it and can't figure out how it's done:mullet:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: Haystack on October 16, 2009, 04:02:53 PM
Post by: Haystack on October 16, 2009, 04:02:53 PM
The oil pressure sensor, or the low lever sensor? The oil pressure sending unit has a wire that screws on, then there is a peice that unclips so you can then spin off the short wire so you can take the sender off. I thought the low oil level sensor was in the pan?
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: V8Demon on October 16, 2009, 04:05:42 PM
Post by: V8Demon on October 16, 2009, 04:05:42 PM
Quote
I thought the low oil level sensor was in the pan?
It is. It's too cold & wet for me to look at it on mine right now. I'll take a look when it dries up a bit outside.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 16, 2009, 04:28:35 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 16, 2009, 04:28:35 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;295059
The Low oil level sensor leaks
Quote from: Haystack;295087
The oil pressure sensor, or the low lever sensor? The oil pressure sending unit has a wire that screws on, then there is a peice that unclips so you can then spin off the short wire so you can take the sender off. I thought the low oil level sensor was in the pan?
Low oil level sensor. See above;)
Quote from: V8Demon;295089
It is. It's too cold & wet for me to look at it on mine right now. I'll take a look when it dries up a bit outside.
It would be great if you could. I'm not going to do it till the spring I just want to know how it's on there. I just unscrewed the whole thing with out disconecting it when I did the engine swap because I couldn't figure out how to get the wires off then either. They look like they just slip on but they don't want to pull out....
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 17, 2009, 11:08:13 AM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 17, 2009, 11:08:13 AM
I had the same problem when I rebuilt my engine. Both my old and rebuild had leaky level senders.
People say you can buy a plug that fits it, but I couldn't locate one. So I built my own plug.
I took it out and disassembled it. It has a couple of c clips and then the guts come out.
Then I removed the interior piece with a pair of vice grips.
I then cleaned it really good with brake clean and a small brush.
I taped a plastic bag blocking off the inside portion of the bolt. Then I filled it with JBWeld.
After it was dry I re-installed the sealing ring and torqued it back into the oilpan. So far, its working great. I just removed the wire from the harness so it wont contact ground and indicate low oil.
People say you can buy a plug that fits it, but I couldn't locate one. So I built my own plug.
I took it out and disassembled it. It has a couple of c clips and then the guts come out.
Then I removed the interior piece with a pair of vice grips.
I then cleaned it really good with brake clean and a small brush.
I taped a plastic bag blocking off the inside portion of the bolt. Then I filled it with JBWeld.
After it was dry I re-installed the sealing ring and torqued it back into the oilpan. So far, its working great. I just removed the wire from the harness so it wont contact ground and indicate low oil.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: V8Demon on October 19, 2009, 10:00:06 AM
Post by: V8Demon on October 19, 2009, 10:00:06 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;295092
It would be great if you could. I'm not going to do it till the spring I just want to know how it's on there. I just unscrewed the whole thing with out disconecting it when I did the engine swap because I couldn't figure out how to get the wires off then either. They look like they just slip on but they don't want to pull out....
It would appear as if the wire connector unthreads. Due to my car's newly lowered ride height I can swing my camera underneath, but can't reach without ramps or a jack. If you need a better pic lemme know.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/V8Demon/Car%20Tech/pan.jpg)
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 11:01:30 AM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 11:01:30 AM
See my Later posts! Don't pull it out! Sorry for the bad advice!
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: vinnietbird on October 19, 2009, 05:00:43 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on October 19, 2009, 05:00:43 PM
I'd like to see that picture myself.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: V8Demon on October 19, 2009, 05:15:13 PM
Post by: V8Demon on October 19, 2009, 05:15:13 PM
Quote from: danzajax;295474
The wire just pulls out.
Like the oil pressure sensor? When I had the motor out, one of the people who helped me did most of the electrical stuff so I honestly don't know and I've never had to mess with that darn wire.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 06:17:44 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 06:17:44 PM
Quote from: V8Demon;295461
It would appear as if the wire connector unthreads. Due to my car's newly lowered ride height I can swing my camera underneath, but can't reach without ramps or a jack. If you need a better pic lemme know.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/V8Demon/Car%20Tech/pan.jpg)
Quote from: danzajax;295474
The wire just pulls out. Its a barrel type connector. Give it a tug, should come right out. I might be able to get you a picture later tonight.
Well it looks like I just have to pull harder to get it out. I'm hoping a brand new sensor and gasket will fix it. I should have done this when the engine was rebuilt 2 years ago instead of re-using the old sensor :dunce:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: vinnietbird on October 19, 2009, 07:23:55 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on October 19, 2009, 07:23:55 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;295521
Well it looks like I just have to pull harder to get it out.
Please,there could be kids reading this forum.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 07:37:01 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 07:37:01 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;295533
Please,there could be kids reading this forum.
Twas the least dirty way I could think of to say it :hick:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:20:39 PM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:20:39 PM
On closer inspection, I take back my previous statement about yanking it out. It appears that it is held in place as some kind of contact. Mine just popped out easily.
When I gutted mine I recall a couple of circlips holding things in. Perhaps this is what keeps it in there.
Pic 1 is of the greasy old engine I pulled from the car.
Pic 2 is of the contact (that i folded back over and tucked into itself and tucked into the frame).
-Dan
When I gutted mine I recall a couple of circlips holding things in. Perhaps this is what keeps it in there.
Pic 1 is of the greasy old engine I pulled from the car.
Pic 2 is of the contact (that i folded back over and tucked into itself and tucked into the frame).
-Dan
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:40:07 PM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:40:07 PM
Since I was wrong and gave bad advice. Here is the correct way to dissassemble your leaky-a$$ level sender.
1. Clean it. Break Clean works awesome.
2. Push the rectangular clip up with a flatblade screwdriver and grab it with pliers/another screwdriver.
3. Remove the Clip. It looks like this:
1. Clean it. Break Clean works awesome.
2. Push the rectangular clip up with a flatblade screwdriver and grab it with pliers/another screwdriver.
3. Remove the Clip. It looks like this:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:42:56 PM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:42:56 PM
(cont.)
4. Remove barrel plug. Done!
Plug looks like this:
Socket like this: (you can see this one has been leaking too. I will try to get a picture of my installed potted one.
Now remove it from the pan. Disassemble it completely, clean with break clean. And fill it with JB-Weld so it will never leak again.
4. Remove barrel plug. Done!
Plug looks like this:
Socket like this: (you can see this one has been leaking too. I will try to get a picture of my installed potted one.
Now remove it from the pan. Disassemble it completely, clean with break clean. And fill it with JB-Weld so it will never leak again.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:55:28 PM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:55:28 PM
Here is the one I made by gutting/filling with JB-Weld. No Leaks!
:blahblah:
:blahblah:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 09:56:17 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2009, 09:56:17 PM
So I can just spin it out with a socket and ratchet after I remove the plug? Cool:D
BTW mine is nice and clean. It just has an oil drip line that runs from the center of the sensor to the bottom of the pan where it drips, which I wipe up every time I see it;)
BTW mine is nice and clean. It just has an oil drip line that runs from the center of the sensor to the bottom of the pan where it drips, which I wipe up every time I see it;)
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:58:52 PM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 19, 2009, 09:58:52 PM
Yea. Its just a huge threaded plug.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 19, 2009, 10:26:40 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 19, 2009, 10:26:40 PM
No doubt you don't want it to leak but AFAIC, the oil level feature is basically useless... If it's close to two quarts low, it will show low oil when the ign switch is first turned on, but will never activate with the engine running...
Mine isn't hooked up, wouldn't work if I did, as the sensor is out of a junk Windstar engine that threw a rod... The sensor portion was knocked off when the rod went, but it doesn't leak...
BTW danzajax, great pictures!!!
Mine isn't hooked up, wouldn't work if I did, as the sensor is out of a junk Windstar engine that threw a rod... The sensor portion was knocked off when the rod went, but it doesn't leak...
BTW danzajax, great pictures!!!
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: Haystack on October 20, 2009, 03:45:08 AM
Post by: Haystack on October 20, 2009, 03:45:08 AM
Mine comes on when I'm about 1 quart low.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: mcb82gt on October 20, 2009, 08:04:04 AM
Post by: mcb82gt on October 20, 2009, 08:04:04 AM
There is an oil drain plug that just threads in. I dont have the size in front of me right now. I have it written down at home.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on October 20, 2009, 09:06:03 AM
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on October 20, 2009, 09:06:03 AM
mine comes on when i'm 1 quart low. now that i think about it, it was a weekly thing before i put the cam in, now it hasnt come on in a month since i put it in...
wonder if it was leaking around the timeing cover and i just never noticed a spot.....or maybe it quit working and i need to check my oil....i think i'll do that before i leave for work.
wonder if it was leaking around the timeing cover and i just never noticed a spot.....or maybe it quit working and i need to check my oil....i think i'll do that before i leave for work.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 20, 2009, 09:30:22 AM
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on October 20, 2009, 09:30:22 AM
I agree with TC. They seem to vary in sensitivity. Both engines I have, they leaked pretty bad. Most cars I've seen in the yard as well. Seems to me, that they cause the issue they are supposed to detect (low oil). $0.02
I would have welded mine shut but I no longer have access to a welder.
I would have welded mine shut but I no longer have access to a welder.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: mcb82gt on October 21, 2009, 04:43:27 PM
Post by: mcb82gt on October 21, 2009, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;295621
There is an oil drain plug that just threads in. I dont have the size in front of me right now. I have it written down at home.
generic oil drain plug 20mm x 1.50
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 21, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 21, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;295810
generic oil drain plug 20mm x 1.50
Maybe I'll just pick up one of those instead of spending $50 on a new sensor:D
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 09, 2010, 09:31:11 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 09, 2010, 09:31:11 PM
I know this is an old thread but I just wanted to update it. I did an oil change on the T-bird today and replaced the low oil sensor with a 20mm x 1.50 oil drain plug and nylon washer. It threads in fine and has solved the oil leak problem. No more little wet spots under the car in the garage;).
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: 88CougarGT on March 10, 2010, 09:10:56 AM
Post by: 88CougarGT on March 10, 2010, 09:10:56 AM
Where did you get yours from? I went to AZ and O'Reilly's and they both looked at me like I was speaking gibberish.
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 10, 2010, 10:29:23 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 10, 2010, 10:29:23 AM
Quote from: 88CougarGT;313476
Where did you get yours from? I went to AZ and O'Reilly's and they both looked at me like I was speaking gibberish.
I got it from a local, independent, auto parts guy who actually knows auto parts. I told him I needed a a 20mm x 1.50 oil drain plug and he pulled one out of the cabinet he keeps fasteners in. This guy is also great because he sells Motorcraft parts at discount prices:D
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: TexasCougar on September 12, 2013, 06:06:28 PM
Post by: TexasCougar on September 12, 2013, 06:06:28 PM
1988 Mercury Cougar LS 5 speed-5.0 fuel injected with digital dash
low oil sensor is in the oil pan? ((WHERE AT)) and how does one stop that beeping sound that supposedly is a low pressure oil warning??? :dunno:
low oil sensor is in the oil pan? ((WHERE AT)) and how does one stop that beeping sound that supposedly is a low pressure oil warning??? :dunno:
Title: Low oil level sensor replacement
Post by: marianadeeps on September 23, 2013, 01:53:29 PM
Post by: marianadeeps on September 23, 2013, 01:53:29 PM
I have the same leak. I wastoo scared to pull out the wires as well. It would be great to see the barrel connector picture.