Hey y’all, it’s your favorite mechanic Matthew Taylor here. So I remember when I first started working on cars, I was a total newb.
I couldn’t even change my own oil, let alone find the oil pressure sending unit on a Chevy 350. But let me tell you, I have come a long way since then.
I remember the first time I had to find the oil pressure sending unit on a Chevy 350. I was working at this little garage in rural Louisiana and we had this old pickup truck come in.
The owner said the oil pressure gauge was reading way too low and he was worried about his engine. Well, I had never even heard of an oil pressure sending unit before, let alone know where it was on a Chevy 350.
But I wasn’t about to let the owner of the shop or the customer know that, so I confidently told them I could take care of it.
I spent the next few hours crawling under the truck, trying to find this mysterious oil pressure sending unit.
I must have looked like a complete idiot, laying on my back with my head stuck under the truck, muttering to myself. But I was determined to find it.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I spotted it. It was this little metal sensor, tucked away behind the oil filter. I couldn’t believe I had missed it before. I quickly replaced it, feeling a huge sense of accomplishment.
Since then, I’ve become pretty darn good at finding and replacing oil pressure sending units. It’s actually one of the easiest things to do on a Chevy 350.
So if you’re having issues with your oil pressure gauge, don’t worry. Just follow the steps in this article and you’ll have it fixed in no time.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Locate the Oil Filter
The first step to finding the oil pressure sending unit on a Chevy 350 is to locate the oil filter. This should be easy, as it’s usually located on the front of the engine, near the bottom.
It’s a cylindrical object, about the size of a coffee can, with a screw-on top. You’ll need to remove the oil filter in order to get to the oil pressure sending unit.
Step 2: Remove the Oil Filter
Once you’ve located the oil filter, you’ll need to remove it in order to access the oil pressure sending unit. To do this, you’ll need an oil filter wrench.
This is a special tool that fits over the oil filter and allows you to loosen it. If you don’t have an oil filter wrench, you can use a large adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers. Just be careful not to damage the oil filter or the engine.
To remove the oil filter, place the oil filter wrench over the top of the oil filter and turn it counterclockwise.
You may need to use some force, as the oil filter can be quite tight. Once you’ve loosened it, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Be sure to have a drain pan ready to catch any oil that may spill out.
Step 3: Locate the Oil Pressure Sending Unit
With the oil filter removed, you should now be able to see the oil pressure sending unit. It’s a small metal sensor, about the size of a pencil eraser, located near the oil filter.
It may have a wire coming out of it, which is connected to the oil pressure gauge in the dashboard.
The oil pressure sending unit is responsible for measuring the oil pressure in the engine and sending that information to the gauge. If it’s not working properly, the gauge will not give an accurate reading.
Step 4: Remove the Oil Pressure Sending Unit
To remove the oil pressure sending unit, you’ll need a socket wrench and a socket that fits the unit. The size of the socket you need will depend on the specific make and model of your Chevy 350.
You may also need a small extension if the unit is hard to reach. Once you have the right tools, simply attach the socket to the unit and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. You may need to use some force, as the unit can be tight.
Once you’ve loosened the unit, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Be sure to hold onto the unit as you remove it, as there may be some oil inside.
You may also want to have a rag or cloth handy to wipe off any excess oil.
Step 5: Install the New Oil Pressure Sending Unit
Now it’s time to install the new oil pressure sending unit. First, make sure you have the correct replacement unit for your Chevy 350.
It should have the same thread size and connector as the old unit. Then, simply screw the new unit into place, using the socket wrench if necessary. Be sure to tighten it properly, but don’t overtighten or you may strip the threads.
Once the new unit is installed, you can replace the oil filter and add new oil to the engine. Be sure to follow the proper procedure for changing the oil in your specific make and model of Chevy 350.
This will typically involve adding the recommended amount of oil and then starting the engine to circulate it.
Step 6: Test the New Oil Pressure Sending Unit
With the new oil pressure sending unit installed, it’s time to test it to make sure it’s working properly. To do this, you’ll need to start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. As the engine warms up, the oil pressure should start to rise.
Keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge in the dashboard. If it’s reading correctly, then the new oil pressure sending unit is working properly. If it’s not, you may need to double check your installation or consider replacing the gauge itself.
Step 7: Replace the Oil Filter
Once you’ve confirmed that the new oil pressure sending unit is working properly, it’s time to replace the oil filter.
To do this, simply screw the new oil filter into place, using your hand to tighten it. Once it’s tightened, give it a quarter turn with the oil filter wrench to ensure it’s secure. Be sure to use a new oil filter gasket when installing the filter, as a damaged gasket can cause leaks.
Step 8: Add Oil
With the oil filter replaced, it’s time to add some new oil to the engine. Be sure to use the correct type of oil for your Chevy 350, as specified in the owner’s manual. You’ll also need to add the correct amount of oil.
Too much oil can cause problems, while too little oil can damage the engine. If you’re not sure how much oil to add, consult the owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
To add the oil, simply pour it into the engine through the oil fill hole. You’ll need a funnel to do this, as the hole is usually quite small. Once you’ve added the correct amount of oil, replace the oil fill cap and start the engine again.
Let it run for a few minutes to allow the oil to circulate and then check the oil level using the dipstick. If the level is correct, you’re all set. If not, add more oil until it’s at the correct level.
Conclusion
Changing the oil pressure sending unit on a Chevy 350 is a relatively simple task that can save you a lot of money in the long run.
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to do it yourself without too much trouble.
Just be sure to have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your engine.