SBC Oil Sending Unit Location......HELP!!!!

[rhodog77]

Hey Guys,
Can someone tell me where the oil guage sending unit installs on a 1984 SBC.

Im pretty sure the one on top of the motor next to the distributor is the sending location for the dummy light. I think!!!! Its the one with the thread at a 45 degree angle



The gauge read sending unit is located just above the oil filter. I think!!!! Im assuming that thats the stock sending unit sticking out of the block with the 2 prongs????? What is the threaded hole above and tho the back for???? If anyone knows or can help, I would really appreciate some schooling on this. thanks a bunch.

Brian

[RootBeer 6117]

RH
I have used both locations for the oil sending units.We have a mechanical gauge hooked to the one next to the dist.on the 350 at school.The hole above the sending unit on the side is for the clutch linkage if you have a manual transmission. I think the two prong unit runs the idiot light on the 80's 350's.

[rhodog77]

Originally Posted by RootBeer 6117

RH
I have used both locations for the oil sending units.We have a mechanical gauge hooked to the one next to the dist.on the 350 at school.The hole above the sending unit on the side is for the clutch linkage if you have a manual transmission. I think the two prong unit runs the idiot light on the 80's 350's.

Rootbeer,
thanks for the info. I got to thinking, wouldnt the pressure read the same at both the dummy location and the gauge sending location??? My dad has a 305 and he has his gauge line ran to the location on top, next to the distributor and his guage works fine. The sending unit that came with my gauge set is HUGE, so I think that I will run mine down by the filter to help hide it and hope that works. thanks again!!!!

[RootBeer 6117]

Originally Posted by rhodog77

Rootbeer,
thanks for the info. I got to thinking, wouldnt the pressure read the same at both the dummy location and the gauge sending location??? HUGE, so I think that I will run mine down by the filter to help hide it and hope that works. thanks again!!!!

It should be the same and will work fine.

[mr48chev]

Normally one uses the hole at the back of the block by the distributor. That is the only one I have ever used.

The later blocks could be drilled for oil pressure there though. It looks like someone took out the sending unit an put in a pipe plug in the top photo and I would check that pipe plug to make sure it was tight if I didn't use that spot for the sending unit.

I checked Autozones part location thingie and http://www.autozone.com/autozone/rep...essure+Switch#

They do show two pronged oil pressure switches like the one in your photo for a lot of 79 and up engines though.

[tmoble]

power to the fuel pump relay goes through that 2 prong sender. no oil pressure, no fuel. There's a bypass that gives power to the relay for 2 seconds when you turn the ignition on and all the time the starter is engaged.

[rhodog77]

I looked back over the autozone website and looked and the oil switches.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par..._105906_0_5835

The description on all the oil switches say that they will "either activate the oil light of move the gauge to the extreme." So it does sound like either location will work.

thanks for all the help guys.

[sweet70beast]

I like to use the one by the dist. The one by the filter gets the oil pressure first but if there is a problem with the engine oiling somewhere in the system this port wouldn't see it. The one by the dist get the pressure last so if there is a problem it is easy to catch and shut the engine down before damage sets in.

[rhodog77]

beast,

that some good info!!! I installed the sending unit today. I went ahead and put it in the top location by the distributor. It was easier to use that location and it seems that most are doing the same.

thanks to everyone for the info and tips. hopefully this will help someone as well.

appreciate it!!!!

[Richard H.]

Actually they are the same galley. The bottom one sometimes is used for oil temp as well.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

True, both positions will work. However if you plan on using the one behind the dist. you might want to put the sensor in before you drop your engine in. Because you want to position the engine as far back to the firewall as possible you will find your hands are not small enough to screw it in after the engine is bolted in. I had to put mine above the oil filter. The good news is, it works just fine there.

[lakeroadster]

I just installed an Autometer sending unit a couple weeks ago on my 350 SBC. I used the port by the distributor and ended up using a 2" long 1/8" pipe nipple and a coupling to space the sending unit up to clear the manifold.

I was able to get it installed with the motor in my '65 C10.

[BigJock]

I've just installed my new gauges and opted for the port at the distributor,but as others have said it can be tight at the firewall.
The aftermarket sender is pretty big.
Got 'er done though.....

I'd post a pic of mine but I still haven't sussed out how too!

[Dan Bowles]

I have the one by the oil filter for the gauge and have one up above the timing cover in the front for the power to the fuel pump. I plugged the dizzy one to clean up the top.