Leaking Glow Plug Control Swith??? - Diesel Forum

InTheDogHouse · 12-02-2009, 08:14 PM

Hello All,

I have a new leak that appears to be coming from either the rear of the valley pan or what appears to be the "control switch" that threads into the block just behind the CDR. BTW, I have a van, so everything is EASY to access in the rear (but horrible in the middle!).

Does the control switch contact oil on the inside of the block? If so, that might explain the leak and I can just replace the rubber washer on the switch. If it doesn't then the nightmare begins since I assume I'll have to remove the valley pan which includes removing the IP (?).

Shoot, if I gotta do THAT then I may as well get new head gaskets and do the whole top end, eh? Please let me know your thoughts and I'll try to get pics of the leak ASAP.

THANKS DIESEL BRUTHAS!

chuckster57 · 12-02-2009, 08:26 PM

If your leaking oil and it is coming from that "Dome" looking thing that threads into the block: that's the oil pressure sending unit. Cheap fix.

InTheDogHouse · 12-02-2009, 11:12 PM

Is THIS the Oil Pressure Sending Unit? And if so, can I replace it with a "screw in" aftermarket that will read actual pressure? Thanks!

Joe Mc · 12-03-2009, 09:25 AM

You can use the after-market sender if you also install an after-market gauge.

That is your stock oil sender.

chuckster57 · 12-03-2009, 10:14 AM

Like Joe Mc said..You can run an aftermarket pressure gauge. There are the electric styles and the mechanical styles that use a thin tube. Your pressures will be about 10-12 PSI @ idle and 35-40 @ cruising when fully warmed up. So if you do go with an aftermarket, make sure it reads 0-60 not 0-100 as it may not register @ idle.

Joe Mc · 12-03-2009, 02:54 PM

Chuckster57, 0-60 might be a little low, I have a 0-80 and I have seen about 78 on a below zero start.

InTheDogHouse · 12-04-2009, 12:41 AM

Thanks all, got everything resolved. Found out how to convert the oil pressure "idiot" gauge to an ACTUAL measuring guage via a new sender unit from an older year Ford (http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/Ford...reGaugeFix.htm) and the removal of a 20ohm resistor.

Found the part at Autozone for $10 bucks (1981 F150 any-engine), removed the 20ohm resistor and restored the old guage it to it's originally designed purpose - to measure oil pressure! Also put new teflon tape on all the threads and now have NO LEAK with a REAL GAUGE to boot. Happy as a clam.

P.S. Of course I can't see actual oil pressure numbers with the stock guage, but I know from other posts where on the guage equals what pressure and know what to watch for.

Joe Mc · 12-05-2009, 08:25 AM

Nice find!

Try this link: Ford Oil Pressure Gauge Fix

chuckster57 · 12-05-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Mc

Chuckster57, 0-60 might be a little low, I have a 0-80 and I have seen about 78 on a below zero start.

Now that I take a look at mine, it is 0-100. I haven't been in my truck for a while... But It is 270 degree sweep so I can see small changes. THAT'S what I meant to stress. Oh well his problem is fixed and that's what matters.

InTheDogHouse · 12-05-2009, 11:33 PM

Well, I may have a cool new oil pressure sending unit, but I still have a terrible oil leak (6 inch puddle in 1 day) coming from what appears to be the rear-center of the valley pan.

At first I thought it was the oil pressure sending unit, but have a new one with teflon tape and rubber O-ring seals that aren't leaking. Any other possibilities besides the valley pan? It would really SUCK if that had suddenly developed a terrible leak. Thanks all.