Is it common for these to leak? Easy to replace? Anyone have a part # for this ?

Thank you

 

It is not hard to replace at all. I believe I had to use an 1-1/8 wrench to get the sensor off. Be careful not to over-tighten the new sensor.

 

Can these leak oil ?

 

DON'T buy one from a dealership...they'll charge you around $50. for it! You can pick one up from your local automotive parts store...I paid $29.95 for mine from Auto Zone with a lifetime warranty, and no...it shouldn't leak.

 

Thanks guys, I NEVER GO TO THE DEALER. NEVER!!! I do everything myself or have friends help out, and advance auto is heaven for me.. the dealer is a RAPE JOB.. So how long would it take me to replace this thing? Can it leak oil? I know you said it isnt supposed to but CAN IT?

Thanks

 

The only place it would leak is the threads. Other than that, no, it should not leak at all.
I bought a socket (brand = Lisle) at the auto parts store that is made for oil sender replacement, none of my deep wells would fit, couldn't get a wrench in there either. With the socket it took less than 5 minutes. I used teflon tape on the threads. As mentioned above, don't overtighten, its only 1/8 " threads. Mike

 

Yes it can leak. There is an O-ring on the sensor that tends to rip.

 

^ Agreed. They can leak if they are cracked.

 

When I had my clutch installed. My installer said that it looked like the sending unit might be leaking.. My guess is just that the intake leak had covered it and it appeard wet to him.. Would you agree with that? or would you just replace it as its a fairly cheap item?

 

There's an o-ring? I have never seen one.


Take a look at it with mirror. Use some spray brake cleaner to clean up the area if needed. After a couple of days, look at it again to see if that is where your leak is coming from.

 

No O-ring on mine! I apply a small amount of thread sealer to the threads when installing.

 

I don't know about the older LT1's, but there isn't an o-ring on mine. Do take note that the sensor is connected to an L-shaped fitting that doesn't require removal to replace the sensor.

 

I'll have to try the mirror trick to get a peek.. Never thought of that.. Thanks Rob.. Carlos, whats the L fitting ? how does it come off? what size socket or wrench?

Thanks Guys.

 

You can see in this pic, there are two elbow fittings that are screwed into each other and then the sensor is screwed into one of the fittings. That is what Carlos is referring to. The fittings are used to space it away from the EGR valve. Most other small blocks over the years just had one elbow (there wasn't an EGR to avoid).

 

Thanks again Rob, Your one hell of a guy!