Hey guys.

I broke the needle on my oil pressure gauge. I now want to use an aftemarket one (autometer).

I would like to know if the sensor is only use for the stock gauge? Can i remove it completly to install my aftermarket sensor? Does the stock sensor gives any signal to the ecu or is it just for the gauge?

And is the thing located near the oil filter? I thought it was the oil pressure switch, not the sensor... Where is it located?

thanks a lot

puma

 

Sending unit for oil pressure gauge is near the oil filter. The low oil level sensor for the warning light is on the oil pan. Make sure the threads on your aftermarket sensor match the theads on the hole where the stock sensor is located.

 

ok, does that mean that i can remove it?

 

If your new sending unit for your new gauge will fit the old threaded hole where your stock sensor is located, you can remove the stock sensor and use your new setup. Hope it works well for you. I am going to have to replace my sending unit for the second time. They just don't seem to last very long, even costing over $80 for a unit which would cost $10 on an American car.

 

Why don't you buy an autometer gauge, it can't be worst that the stock one and is cheaper.

puma

 

I think the thread is 1/8 bsp and not npt which is used in the US, but you can threat a autometer oil pressure gauge into the stock fd location, the autometer is copper and your screwing into cast iron, so its no big deal plus the two threads are almost identical. And by the way the american sensor is only $10 because they are almost all the same.

 

How easy is it to change the factory sending unit?

How much time as well? My guage is funky at times.
Showing 0 pressure once in a while at idle.

thanks jc

 

normal for it to show 0 pressure at idle as the oil is just dripping on the sending unite... it should read at the 40 mark when driving around and jump to the 60 mark when you get into heavy boost.

 

racer rx- Your sending unit is probably going bad. My first sending unit acted that way. After I put a new unit on, the pressure at idle went from zero (old sending unit) to 30-40 psi (new unit). Pressure at 4000rpm with cold oil is over 100 psi. The second sending unit on the car is starting to fail, now that it has been in service about a year. If you put a mechanical pressure gauge on the sending unit outlet (which is the method described in the shop manual) it will give the true pressure, which will vary, depending on your engine's condition, operating temperature and rpm. You need to have some pressure, however. Zero actual oil pressure will lead to lubrication failure of your eccentric shaft bearing. I may see if an aftermarket sending unit is compatable with the stock gauge, since I would prefer to keep the dash gauges stock.
Re: your question about how easy to change the sending unit. It is not that difficult. Look near where your oil filter is located and see if you can get a wrench on the fitting. It is a little bit tight quarters, so you may want to remove the air intake elbow and oil filter to give a little more room. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE WRENCH ON THE BASE OF THE FITTING!!!! If you get the wrench on the upper part of the sending unit, you will probably twist the outer shell and damage the electric parts inside. Not so bad if you do it to the old unit you are removing, but if you break the new one, well, kiss $80 goodbye. Ron A.

 

Great info. ronarndt.

Thanks a million... jc

 

I'd be interested in this too. I want to use my Autometer sending unit, but it would be nice to keep the stock gauge operational too.