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CarburetorsCarb discussion and questions. Upgrading your Third Gen's carburetor, swapping TBI to carburetor, or TPI to carburetor? Need LG4 or H.O. info? Post it here.
So I recently bought a 1987 Firebird Formula. It's the 305 5.0L V8 carbeurated model. Anyways, on my instrument panel, the oil gauge always remains at zero and does not move at all whether the car is driving or idling. Does anyone know what my problem might be? Do I need to replace the oil pressure sending unit? I've already looked right above the oil filter and just found a bolt where I expected the sending unit to be. I don't know if someone capped it or if it's just in another spot. Pics related.
Oil filter, but no oil pressure sending unit right above it as I expected!
EDIT: I found this behind my distributor on the drivers side. Is this the oil pressure sending unit?
Last edited by thomashearts; 03-28-2016 at 01:31 PM.
Unplug its wire; stick a paper clip in the connector; with the key on and engine not running, touch it to ground, while your assistant watches the gauge; it should peg. If so, the gauge and wiring are fine, and it just needs a new wending unit. Which judging by the amount of oil all around there, it most likely needs it anyway, by reason of leaking.
Unplug its wire; stick a paper clip in the connector; with the key on and engine not running, touch it to ground, while your assistant watches the gauge; it should peg. If so, the gauge and wiring are fine, and it just needs a new wending unit. Which judging by the amount of oil all around there, it most likely needs it anyway, by reason of leaking.
Okay thanks I'll try that test next. And I was steady planning to replace the sending unit. It probably hasn't been changed in 30 years anyways.
HEY IT WORKED! That's a relief. I really wasn't looking forward to replace the gauge or wiring.
Last edited by thomashearts; 03-30-2016 at 05:36 PM.
Reason: Update!
The SWITCH that is found above the oil filter is, as noted, just a switch. It is only found on fuel injected models. It basically allows the fuel pump to run. (long explanation). So if yours is indeed a carb model that is why you didn't have one.
I realize this thread is old and apparently problem solved but new viewers can use the info I just gave.
03-28-2016, 11:01 AM
