Where is the oil sending unit ?

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Where is the oil sending unit ?

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

On the Chevy engine it is at the back of the motor right behind the intake and to the right (if looking straight on to the engine from the front) of the distributor. If you have my luck, it will be a bear to remove. I didn't have a 12 pt socket to fit it and had to use one of those funky wrenches you use to remove the nuts from the bottom of water faucets!

Todd

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Thanks Todd, maybe some liquid wrench pretreatment is in order. I've used plumber's tool on nuts before too, not fun.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

There's also a plug just above the oil filter.
Apparently a sender can also be tapped in there. In some instances the larger sender might be better in that spot.

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

they are correct! two places biggrin

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

cdnpont wrote:

There's also a plug just above the oil filter.
Apparently a sender can also be tapped in there. In some instances the larger sender might be better in that spot.

Yes, the Pontiac boys on PY Forum said use the spot near the filter, but I figured that was a Blue block location. The sender I got is pretty darn large, I was surprised actually. It is a Pontiac PN part because the Pontiac boys told me it reads to 80 psi and Chevy ones read to 60 psi. Gauge has an 80 psi scale. I am assuming threads are the same in either engine.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

There is no way this oil sender I have is fitting beside the distributor, there just is not enough room for it. The sender is about the size of a jar of baby food. As an alternative I may have to find one of those 305 Trans Ams and see how it is hooked up, gauges are the same.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I forgot to mention on mine there is an extension "pipe" that threads into the block. It is about 5 inches long. On it is another angled fitting that the sender screws into. That's the only way it clears the distributor (I have HEI as well). I have a photo at home that I will upload tonight.
Todd

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

I'll appreciate that photo, oh joy, another PN to figure out for that tube and fitting!

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Here ya go. I yanked this off a 350 that came out of a 76-7 Monte Carlo. That might be a good place to start with the parts books. I knew there was a reason why I decided to take these pics last week!

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Thanks Todd, Is that ever helpful, my sender looks the same.

I see you posted on PY Forum to get some help with your gauges too. No answers yet but they like your car !

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I'll have to cruise over there and see what they said. I think I've got it sorted out. Still not entirely happy with the oil pressure reading. Let me know what your gauge reads when you get it hooked up. Here's mine:

The temp and gas gauge seem accurate though.

Todd

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

I looked in my owner's manual and it says that under normal operating conditions 20 to 60 psi. At idle it will be lower of course but never to be operated according to my manual below 4 psi even at idle.

I am assuming you are at idle there and it looks like 15 psi to me so probably it is fine. My Suburban is a Vortec 350 and I have full gauges in it so I'll remember to look at it next time I'm in it too.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Just was out in my truck and that puppy is dead on the manual, 20 psi at idle and jumps to about 60 psi when you stomp it.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

That's good to know. Thanks!

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Got a PN from the local Chevy dealer on the fitting, they found it under 1985 Chevy Pick Up Trucks.....discontinued.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

A trip to a bone yard may find what you are looking for. Do you know anyone with old (70's) small blocks kicking around? I lucked out. The guy who sold me my S10 gave me the motor. It was a grease ball but I got what I needed!

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

I went to the Parts Source store and made up a fitting. It is not 45 degrees, rather 90 degrees but I think it will work. What do you think?

-- Edited by 73SC at 22:53, 2008-07-21

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

It should work fine as long as your oil is smart enough to make that sharp turn!

Keep us posted on how it all works out.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Ya I figure oil wouldn't mind, 45 or 90 degrees. Looks like this is on the back burner for a week or so, 65Camino needs his 70 Mustang put right for an August 1st show, we're dropping everything to get the Pony ready.

joe · Newbie

todd plumbers tools should stay with plumbers a small pair of channel lock plyers works well when your in a no tool jam. biggrin

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Joe, you wouldn't have been able to get channel locks in there! This aint a Toyota!
(Joe is a tech at ToyotaTown)

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

No way, it is pretty darn tight back there. I let 65 Camino take the skin off his knuckles doing mine. biggrin

To close the thread the setup works fine, pressure is good, on to the next project.....door pins.

-- Edited by 73SC at 15:28, 2008-09-17

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Ah yes.. A body door pins...