oil level sensor help
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Oil Sensor
My '91 4.0 had a leaky oil sensor and I finally had to go to the local
Ford dealer and have them order it. I saved the old one to use for
a model plug and next time I would just plug the hole. It seems the
sensor warns you of low oil level which leaked out thru the sensor
in the first place.
Ford dealer and have them order it. I saved the old one to use for
a model plug and next time I would just plug the hole. It seems the
sensor warns you of low oil level which leaked out thru the sensor
in the first place.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,012
Likes: 204
From: SoCal
RPinNEB has come to the same conclusion that I did about that sensor; it's a self-justifying sensor.
I took mine apart and cleaned it out with Gumout and filled it with rtv silicone rubber. Then I filled the rubber gromet it went into with rtv silicone rubber, and wrapped the whole assembly in teflon tape. It stopped the leak for a while, but then it started leaking again. I think the teflon tape starts melting away at some point because the oil pan gets VERY HOT. I don't want to rtv the whole assembly to the pan as I'd like to remove it again if necessary, but I'm thinking that ther emay be no other way. I've removed that sensor so many times that I've installed a quick release for the wire.
I took mine apart and cleaned it out with Gumout and filled it with rtv silicone rubber. Then I filled the rubber gromet it went into with rtv silicone rubber, and wrapped the whole assembly in teflon tape. It stopped the leak for a while, but then it started leaking again. I think the teflon tape starts melting away at some point because the oil pan gets VERY HOT. I don't want to rtv the whole assembly to the pan as I'd like to remove it again if necessary, but I'm thinking that ther emay be no other way. I've removed that sensor so many times that I've installed a quick release for the wire.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
Mine has been leaking for some time also and I would like to know if anyone has hit on a creative solution. I've tried taking the sensor apart and replacing the o-ring, and taking it apart and putting in two o-rings - it stops for a while then begins leaking again. RPinNEB, do happen to recall the ballpark cost of the replacement unit?
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Sensor
The new sensor and washer cost right at $40.00. It's amazing my oil
consumption went from a quart every 800 miles to zero at 2000 miles.
Like I said I saved the old one for a pattern and if it's not a common thread
size I may try to have a plug machined instead of replacing it again.
consumption went from a quart every 800 miles to zero at 2000 miles.
Like I said I saved the old one for a pattern and if it's not a common thread
size I may try to have a plug machined instead of replacing it again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
From: Orland USA
Or go to the local tire shop and try to get a old inner tube from a simi. Cut you out a round rubber gasket that will fit between the sensor and rubber grommet. Put a little bearing grease to help it slide while tightening. The rubber of the grommet gets hard and that is why it leaks. And the gasket in a tube stuff will not stick enough to seal unless the surfaces are squeaky clean. (A hard task after being soaked in oil.)
