The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch

Topic: The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch (Read 1647 times) previous topic - next topic

The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch

December 15, 2016, 12:11:53 PM

So first off, thank you everyone who has written about this item in older posts. I have read through them which is how I found this forum.

I have a '88 T-Bird with the 232 V6 in it. I am having the same problem like many where the oil sending unit is flaking out and going from normal PSI to 0 PSI back and forth. I know the oil pressure is good in the vehicle.

I want to replace it but with the actual unit instead of this switch deal. I read the fix using AC Delco Part F1801 (01972321) as a replacement for the stock switch.

From what I have been able to tell, the switch used in the 302 V8 is there same in the 232 V6.

Now I also read that to use the switch on the V8 some sort of adapter needed to be made to extend the sending unit so it could fit into the area. Is this also true on the V6? Also, is there any conversion that has to be done from the size of the bolt going into the engine block? I wouldn't think so since it would be really strange to have two different sending unit bolt sizes when both would be offered in the 302 upper trim lines, but I've seen stranger things.

If I need an adapter for the 232 engine, what does the adaption need to be? What did you all do with your 302 engine? I do not have a big window to work on mine this weekend, so I would rather have the parts to make an extension if I need to and not use then not have it and need it.

Thank you all for your expertise.

The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch

Reply #1 – December 15, 2016, 06:16:53 PM

My 86's and 87's did not have that extension. My 88xr7 does. Im guessing that the buttstuffog sending unit is just larger.

The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch

Reply #2 – December 15, 2016, 06:58:54 PM

The actual sending unit is indeed much larger and will not fit directly onto the block as the smaller switch does. You need this

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-9278A/1979-89-Mustang-Oil-Pressure-Sending-Unit-Extension-50L

Here's a good pic of how it will install for reference:

Last, but not least, a size comparison....

Hope this helps.

The Dreaded Oil Sending Unit / Switch

Reply #3 – December 16, 2016, 10:39:54 AM

You have the digital dash correct? If so the unit above should work provided you remove the inline resistor that is just past the factory oil pressure switch.