REAL TIME: oil leak from sensor thing - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

POLIZEI · 11-15-2007, 09:47 AM

Hi there, first post...
91 Wagon, great condition, mad miles
EDIT: 4-cyl automatic

Last night after pulling into the garage, I noticed some fresh oil drips leading up the driveway. I grabbed my light and looked under the car and saw oil dripping from about 3 or 4 different spots but not from the pan itself. I checked the oil and the stick was dry!! After freaking out for a little bit I refilled the block with oil and ran the engine to try and locate the leak. Turns out its coming from a small sensor on the front face of the block located above the exhaust manifold and beneath the valve cover just to the right of the heat sheild.

At first I thought it might be the head gasket, but while the engine is running, oil really drips out of that sensor.

Anyone know about this part or how hard it is to replace?
Thanks for any help

wiccanferret · 11-15-2007, 09:52 AM

Which engine? V6 or 4-cyl?

BTW, funny mental image, checking the dipstick, finding no oil, and freaking out for a little bit before adding oil. I picture someone running around waving the dipstick and making panicky noises then calming down and simply adding oil...while still kind of whimpering...

POLIZEI · 11-15-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiccanferret

Which engine? V6 or 4-cyl?

BTW, funny mental image, checking the dipstick, finding no oil, and freaking out for a little bit before adding oil. I picture someone running around waving the dipstick and making panicky noises then calming down and simply adding oil...while still kind of whimpering...

Hahahaa... its a 4-cylinder automatic and that was definitely what I did

wiccanferret · 11-15-2007, 10:22 AM

I see it in a picture but I don't know what it is. My guess would be oil pressure sending unit, but I'm still researching.

wiccanferret · 11-15-2007, 10:28 AM

Okay, it looks to me as if it's the Oil Pressure Switch. They're about $15 at Autozone and should come off with an appropriately sized wrench.

POLIZEI · 11-15-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiccanferret

Okay, it looks to me as if it's the Oil Pressure Switch. They're about $15 at Autozone and should come off with an appropriately sized wrench.

Dead on!

Luckily I have an AutoZone right down the street that had one in stock. You were right. I bought the switch and replaced the bunk one.. I only screwed the new on in until it was extremely tight. There is still about a 1/16" of thread showing (with no leaks) but I am a little worried about wrenching it down with all my power. With my luck Im sure I would rip the part in half.

Off to work I go. Thanks for the help!

wiccanferret · 11-15-2007, 03:43 PM

Bah, if it ain't leaking it's good.

white90dx · 11-15-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POLIZEI

I only screwed the new on in until it was extremely tight. There is still about a 1/16" of thread showing (with no leaks) but I am a little worried about wrenching it down with all my power. With my luck Im sure I would rip the part in half.

It should have some threads showing. The oil pressure switch has pipe threads, and there should be some threads showing when it is fully tight. You probably already tightened it too much, but as long as it hasn't broke and isn't leaking, you are fine.

-Charlie

monito · 11-15-2007, 04:55 PM

you should invest in a torque wrench. takes the guessing game out of putting things back together.

wiccanferret · 11-15-2007, 04:58 PM

Torque wrench wouldn't help with sensors. You don't use a socket, you use a standard wrench.

POLIZEI · 11-21-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white90dx

It should have some threads showing. The oil pressure switch has pipe threads, and there should be some threads showing when it is fully tight. You probably already tightened it too much, but as long as it hasn't broke and isn't leaking, you are fine.

-Charlie

Ok, thats good. I carefully wrenched it down a little tiny bit past "hand tight" so I think I'm ok. But I did notice the exposed threads so Im glad you said that. I've been checking the oil level and some cardboard I layed down at home/work since the leak and luckily havent found any more drips. So far so good. Thanks again for the help.

dhamaka127 · 11-27-2007, 12:52 PM

Thanks guys. I have a similar problem to Polize....I am not sure if mine is from the Pressure sensor but I will check....Thanks...

dhamaka127 · 11-28-2007, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhamaka127

Thanks guys. I have a similar problem to Polize....I am not sure if mine is from the Pressure sensor but I will check....Thanks...

Just checked last night....not from the sensor....