Hdmike444

Hi all
I am adding a rally pack gauge set up and need to remove the dummy light oil sending unit to install the proper one does anyone have any hints on how to get it out it seems pretty stuck in there and no great ways to get onto it.
thanks in advance

oldcutlass

While there is a special socket, I've use a pair of channel locks in the past. They can be tight if some knuckle dragging, hairy armed, ape over tightened it.

Vintage Chief

Soak overnight in Blaster or ATF. They’ll both assist significantly.

Vintage Chief

I have that special socket and it’s no more than a very deep 1 1/16” socket w/ the top of the socket having a 6-sided nut.

Vintage Chief

Stamped on the socket:

WARNING: DO NOT USE WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING

Pretty sure that’s why it’s a special tool.

Greg Rogers

That would be quite a mess if you removed the oil pressure switch when the engine was running. If I were to recommend doing that I would also say after oil is blowing out go in and eat lunch. When you come back you will have a nice mess to clean up and a seized engine,- oh and maybe some nice burns from the hot oil... I have seen a video where a guy removes and replaces a v belt on a running VW engine!

Hdmike444

Got it thanks, it took a pair of vice grips the socket just spun.

oldcutlass

Glad it worked out.

Fun71

Yes, it would. It also makes a big mess if you fire a freshly built engine and forget to plug that hole with something - sending unit, pipe plug, pressure gauge fitting. It's amazing how much oil can come out of such a small hole in the short time it takes to realize what's happening and turn the key off.

Schurkey

Unlikely, since we're dealing with pipe thread, which seals by thread deformation. The lube can't get between the threads to do any good, because they're OIL TIGHT.

The internal wrenching surface that meets the oil pressure switch is NOT just a six-point 1 1/16 hex. The wrenching surface is specifically shaped to fit the goofy shape of the pressure switch "hex".

Some tools have the male hex on the drive end, for putting a wrench on; others don't--but they'll all have the special shape in the female end.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Oil-...h-Socket/A119C



This one is more like what I bought about thirty years ago from the MATCO guy. Fits two sizes of switches with the goofy "hex"; I'm not sure I've ever seen the less-popular size of switch. The larger switches fit the end of the tool, the smaller switches fit the smaller wrenching surface of the tool farther inside.

Hdmike444

Thx, I wound up using vice grips as the socket did not work as you just mentioned, looks like a good tool to have in the arsenal though!

ragz442

I've had pipe fittings corroded on the top threads and used pen oil, a pick, small wire brush etc. to aid in removal. I've also had to apply a little heat to the surrounding area. The op switch socket is definitely a must have tool.