HELP - Oil Pressure Switch

[DTra1n]

Hi All,

I identified a steady stream of oil coming out of the oil pressure switch (threads into the rear of the engine block, with two prong terminals wired to the carb choke). From what I can tell the diaphragm inside failed, and oil is gushing out. When it failed my ‘Choke’ light came on, and oil pressure = 0.

I bought a replacement part and 1-1/16” oil pressure switch socket from the local auto store. I’m having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to remove/unthread this unit? There is not enough vertical space to slip on this socket without hitting the distributor (see photo). Do I have to remove the distributor to unthread this switch? Or just the distributor cap? It’s tight in there please help.

 

[pagrunt]

This is the one you need
https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/engine/oil-pressure-switch-socket
I have this one & makes it easier. Have had it for for well over 25 years.

 

[TURNA]

Channellock pliers

 

[pontiacgp]

just mark the orientation of the distributor and rotor and remove it. Don't loose the gasket for the distributor.

 

[DTra1n]

Channellock pliers

View attachment 94647

Handles too long, no room to turn between firewall and carb bracketing.

 

[TURNA]

Carb bracket is one maybe two bolts.

It is a lot easier to take that off than the distributor if you are not sure how to do that.

 

[DTra1n]

This is the one you need
https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/engine/oil-pressure-switch-socket
I have this one & makes it easier. Have had it for for well over 25 years.

Good call, this socket is quite a bit shorter. It’ll be close, but I’ll give it a shot.

 

[pontiacgp]

Handles too long, no room to turn between firewall and carb bracketing.

don't be worried about removing the distributor. When the distributor is out as long as you do not turn the engine over nothing about the timing will change. When you remove the distributor you will see the rotor turn a little and to put it back in have the rotor in the same postion it was in when it was broke free of the camshaft gear.

 

[DTra1n]

Carb bracket is one maybe two bolts.

It is a lot easier to take that off than the distributor if you are not sure how to do that.

Ok thanks. I was dreading the distributor pull.

 

[DTra1n]

Thanks for the replies folks, I’ve got a few more options now. I’ll post back.