Re: [DML] Oil Sending Unit

["Walter" <Whalt@xxxx>]

I think this is one of those six-pack questions... meaning that there is no
clear answer and it takes a six pack of beer for each member involved in the
conversation to reach any kind of agreement.

The official answer probably is that there should be no teflon tape added to
the connection because this could insulate or cause an intermittent
connection. But in real world situations, that fitting is holding back up
to 70+ psi of hot oil. A steel-on-steel thread connection with no pipe dope
is bound to leak in my opinion.

Here is my solution:

I bought the same sending unit that you did from the same source. I'm
waiting for my next oil change before I put it on. The job will be a lot
easier with the oil filter removed. I'm going to put my oil pressure
sending unit on a brass 45 degree elbow. I'm doing this for two reasons:
1) it gets the sending unit out of the way of the oil filter. Even though
the new sending unit is smaller and probably won't be in the way of the
filter any more, at this point I really don't care. It's getting the brass
fitting anyway.
2) a steel-on-brass pipe connection is far less leak prone than a
steel-on-steel connection with no teflon or pipe dope.
3) Yeah, I know -- I only had two reasons, but here's a third reason... The
brass pipe extension I am using consists of two pieces. The first is a
1"x1/8th" brass nipple. The second is a 45 degree elbow with female treads
on both ends. I am using this instead of what is available at auto parts
stores for several reasons.
1) I already have it on hand. I bought it at Home Depot by the way.
2) It is made of brass. I'm not sure if what the auto parts stores sell is
brass or not. I don't like cast brass because I've seen porous castings
that leak, and what I bought at Home Depot is not cast.
3) The elbow has flat sides on it to take an opened end wrench which makes
it easier to install. Other fittings require a pipe wrench or pliers.
3) What I am using is standard 1/8th" brass water pipe. Coincidentally, the
Delorean uses the same thread on this fitting.
4) Since what I am using is two fittings screwed together instead of one
'street' fitting like what the auto parts stores sell, it will allow me more
turns to point the whole assembly in a direction away from the oil filter
without over or under tightening it.

Do I get too wordy or what? shessh...

Walt Tampa, FL