I am installing a new engine on my 88 TII and I broke a part off during installation and I am wondering what it is and if it is important. The part looks like a small, brass or copper colored canaster that screws into the engine directly under the spot where the oil filter screws on. It also has a small prong on the top of it where a wire connects to it. This part broke off in my engine while I was trying to wrench it in. Can I seel off the broken screw and forget about it or is this part important?

thanks for the help
-kev

 

It is your oil pressure sender. Most important. You need another!

 

Sounds like the oil pressure sender from memory. That would be an important piece if it is.

 

damn banzaitoyota, you beat me to it by 1 minute!!!

I demand a recount!

 

That sounds like the block coolant drain plug. It's handy when you're flushing your coolant.

I bet that thing will come out pretty easy with an "easy out". It's a tool for removing stripped screws/bolts/etc.

I'd strongly recommend that you don't just ignor it. If you can possibly get the engine back out of the car I'd recommend it. Although it's your call, I don't know how far you are in the process.

 

Damn you guys!

That was the only thing I could think of. I was wrong, and last.

 

The Coolant drain plug doesn't have a plug on it, and it is in the center housing, not the rear housing

 

I WIN!!!!!!

 

Y'see now, I knew that.

For some dumbass reason I thought the oil went in through the center housing, and to think I actually added oil to my car today.

I *selectively* read his post.

 

eh.. at a MINIMUM you need to plug it up. You really should though just go out and get a new pressure sender, you DO need it as a failsafe.

 

thanks for the help, i was hoping it wasn't important, but I gotta do what i gotta do. It is a rebuilt engine and they spray so much damn paint on the threads it makes it hard to screw things in, maybe i'll re-tap them from now on. Well, it looks like it's off to the dealer for another over-priced part

-kev