So I have this cool factory gauge cluster to install, I have a new temperature sending unit and a new oil pressure sending unit. I am good with the temp unit but where is the oil sender on my 1973 Canadian Pontiac 350 ? I have not really looked yet but I assume it is located behind the distributor.
On the Chevy engine it is at the back of the motor right behind the intake and to the right (if looking straight on to the engine from the front) of the distributor. If you have my luck, it will be a bear to remove. I didn't have a 12 pt socket to fit it and had to use one of those funky wrenches you use to remove the nuts from the bottom of water faucets!
There's also a plug just above the oil filter. Apparently a sender can also be tapped in there. In some instances the larger sender might be better in that spot.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
There's also a plug just above the oil filter. Apparently a sender can also be tapped in there. In some instances the larger sender might be better in that spot.
Yes, the Pontiac boys on PY Forum said use the spot near the filter, but I figured that was a Blue block location. The sender I got is pretty darn large, I was surprised actually. It is a Pontiac PN part because the Pontiac boys told me it reads to 80 psi and Chevy ones read to 60 psi. Gauge has an 80 psi scale. I am assuming threads are the same in either engine.
There is no way this oil sender I have is fitting beside the distributor, there just is not enough room for it. The sender is about the size of a jar of baby food. As an alternative I may have to find one of those 305 Trans Ams and see how it is hooked up, gauges are the same.
I forgot to mention on mine there is an extension "pipe" that threads into the block. It is about 5 inches long. On it is another angled fitting that the sender screws into. That's the only way it clears the distributor (I have HEI as well). I have a photo at home that I will upload tonight. Todd
Here ya go. I yanked this off a 350 that came out of a 76-7 Monte Carlo. That might be a good place to start with the parts books. I knew there was a reason why I decided to take these pics last week!
I'll have to cruise over there and see what they said. I think I've got it sorted out. Still not entirely happy with the oil pressure reading. Let me know what your gauge reads when you get it hooked up. Here's mine:
I looked in my owner's manual and it says that under normal operating conditions 20 to 60 psi. At idle it will be lower of course but never to be operated according to my manual below 4 psi even at idle.
I am assuming you are at idle there and it looks like 15 psi to me so probably it is fine. My Suburban is a Vortec 350 and I have full gauges in it so I'll remember to look at it next time I'm in it too.
A trip to a bone yard may find what you are looking for. Do you know anyone with old (70's) small blocks kicking around? I lucked out. The guy who sold me my S10 gave me the motor. It was a grease ball but I got what I needed!
Ya I figure oil wouldn't mind, 45 or 90 degrees. Looks like this is on the back burner for a week or so, 65Camino needs his 70 Mustang put right for an August 1st show, we're dropping everything to get the Pony ready.