Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an Oil Pressure Sending Unit Effectively
Installing an oil pressure sending unit can be a complicated job for a backyard mechanic, but with the right know-how and tools, it can be done. The oil pressure sending unit is an important component of the vehicle, as it keeps track of the oil pressure in the engine, alerting you when the oil level is low or something is wrong inside the engine.
Before attempting the installation, be sure to read through your vehicle’s repair manual to better familiarize yourself with the components of the engine and their locations. This will help you know what to expect, and it will also help you know what to remove and how to go about doing it.
The first step is to remove the air breather from the rear of the engine compartment. This is done by removing the wing nut or clamps and lifting off the entire case. You should also unhook any wires or relays that may be connected.
The next step is to remove the distributor from the engine. Before doing so, take the time to mark the spark plug wires on the cap to ensure you know how to reconnect them later. You must pull each spark plug wire from the distributor and place them aside. Then, you must use a wrench to remove the oil pressure sending unit, taking extra care not to drop any screws or debris into the lines. Once you’ve removed the unit, disconnect the wiring and remove it completely from the engine.
Now that you have removed the old oil pressure sending unit, you can move on to installing the new one. To do this, you must place the new unit in place and connect the wire to the terminals. Then, you must secure the unit with the appropriate screws into the right holes, and ensure they’re tightened properly.
From there, you must set the distributor back in position, secure it with the locking nut, and replace the cap back onto the part before reconnecting the spark plug wires according to the marks you made earlier. Once the wires are hooked up, you must place the air breather case back into position and reconnect the different relays and wires. Last but not least, put the air filter back into the casing and secure the cover back on.
Since you had the distributor out of the vehicle earlier, the engine’s timing must be set again. To do this, use a timing light to get the engine set as closely as you can to the manufacturer’s specs. If you’re not comfortable or sure about the correct timing, you can always take your car to a garage for a quick timing adjustment.
Installing an oil pressure sending unit may seem intimidating, but following these steps will make the task much simpler. With patience, the right know-how, and the right tools, you can feel confident in your ability to replace the oil pressure sending unit in your vehicle.