Oil Temp sender location
#1
Oil Temp sender location
I have a 91 chevy 305 TPI, I would like to install a VDo oil temp gauge. I am unsure as to where to install the OIL temp sensor for an accurate reading or which OIL temp sensor I need to purchase. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mike
Thanks
Mike
#3
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Can I replace the oil drain plug with the sensor? If i can install the sensor in place of the drain plug, any idea the thread size of the oil pan.
Thanks
Mike
Thanks
Mike
#5
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Car: Today? 98 GMC Sonoma
Engine: Seriously? The Sonoma has a TPI 305
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 7.625/4.10
Re: Oil Temp sender location
I didn't know vettes had an oil temp gauge, but then I haven't been around 'em much either.... LOL
Not saying it isn't a temp sending unit, but that sender sure looks like a oil pressure sending unit. Other than being shorter, the metal body part is the same shape, (socket wise), and the electrical plug in looks to be the same shape as an oil sending unit.
My 89 TPI 305, (Trans Am), has the oil pressure sender in that location but the sending unit itself is considerably longer.
Not saying it isn't a temp sending unit, but that sender sure looks like a oil pressure sending unit. Other than being shorter, the metal body part is the same shape, (socket wise), and the electrical plug in looks to be the same shape as an oil sending unit.
My 89 TPI 305, (Trans Am), has the oil pressure sender in that location but the sending unit itself is considerably longer.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Oil Temp sender location
that port free for the oil temp sender
There have been a multitude of different style / configuration oil units for GM cars
http://www.motorcityreman.com/generalmotors14.html
FYI
81-89 1 wire oil temp unit
https://pontiworld.com.au/usgmsp/pro...388e04a895fe8f
90 -96 units have 3 wires for feedback to the ECM to calculate the "change oil " light
#7
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Car: Today? 98 GMC Sonoma
Engine: Seriously? The Sonoma has a TPI 305
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 7.625/4.10
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Ah, I see now.
I'd never seen that short style 3 wire press sending unit. Mine has the huge long one. But I see the short one came on the Berettas too, and it just so happens I have one of those sitting in the driveway getting ready to go to scrap. LOL I'll have to look at the sending unit in it before it leaves, just to test fit it in my truck. I need all the room I can get... LOL
Good info vetteoz.
I'd never seen that short style 3 wire press sending unit. Mine has the huge long one. But I see the short one came on the Berettas too, and it just so happens I have one of those sitting in the driveway getting ready to go to scrap. LOL I'll have to look at the sending unit in it before it leaves, just to test fit it in my truck. I need all the room I can get... LOL
Good info vetteoz.
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Car: 1971 Camaro
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Re: Oil Temp sender location
Why would vettes have an oil temp sending unit? Does it tell the computer something, is there a gauge?
Not doubting you, I have no experience with vettes, just curious.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Yes
As noted above , on '90 + cars the ECM uses the oil temp as part of it's calculations for displaying the "Change Oil" light
As noted , always mounted behind the dist on C4's, not above the filter as done on 3rd Gens
Pre '88 cars had a separate pump switch and gauge sender; later cars had the large 3 wire combined unit shown
As noted above , on '90 + cars the ECM uses the oil temp as part of it's calculations for displaying the "Change Oil" light
As noted , always mounted behind the dist on C4's, not above the filter as done on 3rd Gens
Pre '88 cars had a separate pump switch and gauge sender; later cars had the large 3 wire combined unit shown
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Oil Temp sender location
So for a firebird owner, could it be possible to put a T-fitting where the oil pressure sender is and also hook up the oil temp sender unit?
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
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Re: Oil Temp sender location
not standing outboard in the breeze ( cooling off ) on a T fitting
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Oil Temp sender location
This is a good point haha, one more thing since vettes have the oil pressure switch mounted on the back of the block near the distributor, what does that port do for f-body applications? or is it just blocked off?
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Car: 87 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.23
Re: Oil Temp sender location
MY GTA has the oil pressure sender behind the distributor. When I changed my motor mounts I knocked the wire off getting the motor high enough and my gauge quit working.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Hmmm thats interesting because on my Formula the oil pressure sender is located just above the oil filter
#17
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Car: 87 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.23
Re: Oil Temp sender location
I do have the oil cooler (warmer) on my car so maybe that has something to do with it.
I should also add mine just has one wire with a spade connector. If I remember correctly I think the wire was orange.
I should also add mine just has one wire with a spade connector. If I remember correctly I think the wire was orange.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Hmmm maybe because its a GTA and they had more options
#19
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Car: 87 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.23
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Dont know but I do have a digital dash if that means anything.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Oil Temp sender location
Yeah probably, since the vettes had digital dashes they used oil temp to let the computer know when to flash the "change the oil" light on the dash
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Car: 87 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.23
Re: Oil Temp sender location
I know all the earlier SBC pulled the pressure from behind the distributor like my 87 is.
You can use a T for pressure and put your temp in the other place. Just don't block the passage off by putting it to deep!!
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: swapped 350 TPI
Transmission: MD8 - 700R4
Axle/Gears: GW6 - 3.27 ratio
Re: Oil Temp sender location
My '85 GTA with a 350 swapped for the original 305 has the oil pressure sender (single spade connector) behind the distributor going to the rally gauges. I'm not sure if there is an oil temp sender or where that signal would go on my car. I replaced the oil pressure sender when I bought the car and the dash gauge magically started working. Simplest fix I've done so far.
Side note, the rally temperature gauge goes to the cylinder head temp sender on the block (forward driver's side) above the exhaust manifold. Look for the cracked/melted (green?) wire.
Now I'm curious if I have another disconnected sensor hiding somewhere... The block temp seems to get warm on those summer hauls up out of the 120* heat of Phoenix with the A/C going full blast to stay alive. I've been contemplating adding an oil cooler to help her beat the heat on the highway. Knowing the oil temp would be useful and feed my OCD need to know exactly what my engine is doing at all times.
Side note, the rally temperature gauge goes to the cylinder head temp sender on the block (forward driver's side) above the exhaust manifold. Look for the cracked/melted (green?) wire.
Now I'm curious if I have another disconnected sensor hiding somewhere... The block temp seems to get warm on those summer hauls up out of the 120* heat of Phoenix with the A/C going full blast to stay alive. I've been contemplating adding an oil cooler to help her beat the heat on the highway. Knowing the oil temp would be useful and feed my OCD need to know exactly what my engine is doing at all times.
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