Engine oil leak - (picture) what is this? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DLo · 03-20-2007, 07:46 AM

I am leaking some oil from this (sensor I believe) and wanted to know what it was.

Thanks gang,

Poppa

renmike · 03-20-2007, 07:53 AM

Oil Pressure Switch

DLo · 03-20-2007, 08:01 AM

Is it common for the Oil pressure switch to leak?
Does that mean it is gone or is this a simple can be tightened? I didn't mess with it or go at it with a pair of channel locks till I found out what it was. (Been down that "Yea, I broke it not knowing what I was doing" road to many times.

Unco · 03-20-2007, 08:15 AM

yes, it is a relatively common replaceable item. a new part should cost very little $$$. make sure you know how to tighten it though. overtightening can cause cracking at the housing as it is not a standard thread... it's tapered.

DLo · 03-20-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unco

make sure you know how to tighten it though. overtightening can cause cracking at the housing as it is not a standard thread... it's tapered.

This is exactly why I took the picture, messed with a quick MSpaint and posted it on here BEFORE I grabbed the gloves and pliers.... Thanks man.

And as for price, I did find them here and there for like $5-$12 either used or new so again, thank you.

renmike · 03-20-2007, 02:03 PM

Before you thread the new one on, put some teflon tape on the threads (just a little, maybe 1-2 passes). And do be careful, it doesn't take much to crack it by overtightening it.

DLo · 03-20-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renmike

Before you thread the new one on, put some teflon tape on the threads (just a little, maybe 1-2 passes). And do be careful, it doesn't take much to crack it by overtightening it.

Thanks, gonna order one off ebay when I get home and already got some teflon tape at the house.

71Corolla · 03-20-2007, 08:59 PM

Don't put teflon tape on the threads. It's not needed, the factory doesn't do this, you don't need to either. Tighten it a moderate amount and check for leaks. If all okay, make sure to check for leaks in a week or 2.

BTW it is common for leaks to develop on the sending unit. Oil usually leaks between the connector lead and the plastic.

Unco · 03-20-2007, 09:45 PM

the factory doesn't put teflon tape on any threads period. i can't really see any harm in putting some on.

renmike · 03-21-2007, 07:26 AM

I've always put a layer of teflon tape on sensor and sending unit threads, especially when you're threading a type of metal into a different type (brass/steel into aluminum, for example). I'm not saying it HAS to be done, it's just a rule of thumb I always follow. If it's good enough for Komatsu and Cummins, it's good enough for me. The biggest problem people have with teflon tape is when it's applied half-ass; either they put it on too thick and have problems threading it or they just apply it sloppy and it ends up getting caught in the passage of whatever it's threaded to.

And just because they don't do it at the factory doesn't mean when you go putting something on 200k miles later that it couldn't use that little bit of extra protection.

So, here's my final word. You DO NOT have to use teflon tape, but please put something on the threads so that you don't have an issue if the sending unit ever needs to be removed.