Warning-Potential for Disaster
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Southern California
Warning-Potential for Disaster
I recently lost all of the oil in my 2.9L V-6 B-II. There was no warning from the low oil indicator (apparently inoperative), or the check engine light. Temperature gauge was fine. The only indication was that I heard a lifter tapping and smelled oil. I pulled over and she had pumped dry.
The problem was a defective oil pressure sending unit where the plastic core had apparently begun separating from the body. Even though this is a very small hole, it empties the oil pan in short order because of the oil pump pressure. The only prior indication was that the check engine light would occasionally glow for a few moments and then go off. All fluid levels were normal.
In forty years of hard driving with 6 different 4 x 4 vehicles, I never had this happen, or had even heard of it. Consequently, I would not even have considered carrying a spare sending unit. Since the unit fits into a 1/4" NPT (pipe thread) openind in the block, I have added a 1/4" pipe plug to my spare parts kit. I suggest you do the same, and consider changing the OP sending unit if your engine has 120,000+ miles. The unit is located on the lower left front of the block behind the power steering pump, and cannot be seen from above.
The problem was a defective oil pressure sending unit where the plastic core had apparently begun separating from the body. Even though this is a very small hole, it empties the oil pan in short order because of the oil pump pressure. The only prior indication was that the check engine light would occasionally glow for a few moments and then go off. All fluid levels were normal.
In forty years of hard driving with 6 different 4 x 4 vehicles, I never had this happen, or had even heard of it. Consequently, I would not even have considered carrying a spare sending unit. Since the unit fits into a 1/4" NPT (pipe thread) openind in the block, I have added a 1/4" pipe plug to my spare parts kit. I suggest you do the same, and consider changing the OP sending unit if your engine has 120,000+ miles. The unit is located on the lower left front of the block behind the power steering pump, and cannot be seen from above.
Last edited by Sawfish; Jan 26, 2004 at 11:26 AM.
