Dr-Gonzo

2008 tc
46,500 miles
Dezod S1, 8psi, catted dp since 42,500 miles
Mobile1 synthetic 10-30

So, today I popped the hood on a suspicion to see a mess of oil all over the right side of the engine bay. It looks like the right side of the block, under high pressure, sprayed oil back towards the firewall and collected in pools on the transmission housing. When I looked for the problem, engine idling, I noticed a slow but continuous drip coming from the oil pressure sending unit. I tightened the fit but it still leaked through a seal on the unit itself, right in the middle at the plastic.

I googled the part and it is ridiculously cheap, at like $15-$20 a pop. I was wondering if there are any brands I should look out for, or if anyone has any recommendations towards a better one. I couldn't find the part on trdsparks, but I'm sure they have the OEM replacement. However, I would rather have a more durable unit over stock if this is going to be a problem with boost.

What do y'all think?

P.s. yes I searched

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

to be honest iv never had nor seen an issue with the stock sensor...id prolly chalk this up to a factory defect with that sensor.

Dr-Gonzo

right on, I hope this is the case...

m6ar2cel6oTC

pics?

Dr-Gonzo

None currently, but I will try to snap some tomorrow.

Dr-Gonzo

Pics

Blue arrows = oil leak
White circles = oil spray

Syldrin

iTrader: (1)

have you wrapped that sender in teflon tape?

Dr-Gonzo

Nope, the only thing that was used was thread sealant on the t-fitting. Besides, its not leaking at the thread, but the unit itself. The way it seems to have sprayed oil makes me doubt teflon tape would even hold.

Anyways, I've seemed to have fixed it. I called an Oreilly's and they have them on the shelf for $20 and a lifetime warranty. Seemed like a no-brainer, so I bought it and swapped it out easily. Just got back from a little drive and no leaks.

I guess this just highlights how important it is to pop the hood regularly for preventative maintenance. I got no warning signs, no drops in oil pressure and no performance issues. I only saw a small puddle of oil in my usual parking spot. This issue must have occurred within the past 3 days, and I easily lost half a quart of oil due to the spray, which could have been bad news bears if gone unchecked.

tl;dr - Pop your hood regularly.

Thanks for insight Crush!

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

glad that was sorted out...iv had a similar exp on a 87 olds cutless calias, oil pressure sensor was leaking (spraying) oil from the connector...I would have never beleaved it if someone told me some ish like that. it wasnt a little sprits, it was full on water gun kinda spray (the cheap kind of water gun, not super soaker...lol). I wish i had video of that, funniest crap id seen.

Dr-Gonzo

I know what you mean. I started to panic when I saw the spray pattern because all I could think was that I had punched a hole in my block somewhere, which didn't make sense because it ran normally. Anyway, I'm glad it was an cheap/easy fix and nothing serious.

Carlanga

dang! I had to replace mine like 8k miles ago cuz it was leaking through the back of the unit, I was speechless as well. It's always good to keep an eye on things, I just found yesterday an oil leak from the oil feed adapter on the turbo. Gave it a little crank and hoped for the best, well see if it works.

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

no ish...you didnt tell me about that..when did it happen?
thats two so far...anyothers?

ScionCREW

iTrader: (2)

engine harmonics is a ****! it will loosen any bolt, nut or fitting.

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

intesting..this should be happening more often then i would think. his engine is stock. well except for turbo. vibrations from poly mounts ya think?

ScionCREW

iTrader: (2)

yes poly mounts tranfer alot of engine harmonics throw out the car.

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

curious if the op has poly mounts...iv installed my poly mounts the day after carlanga. havnt had a problem thus far.

ScionCREW

iTrader: (2)

Im not saying because you have poly mount your sensor will go bad. Rember the sensor in mounted to the motor so it gets the full affect of the engine vibration.

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

I hear ya...im just trying to pinpoint the cause.

Dr-Gonzo

As a matter of fact, I do have ES motor mounts installed. I can vouch that the rattling/vibrating are probably underlying factors here.

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

its good to get info on this stuff!