First off, my newly installed replacement 350 started leaking alot of oil. At first i noticed it leaking off the bellhousing, then followed the leak to above the filter at the oil pressure senser. Then i noticed that the top of it was uncapped. So i plugged it back in, cleaned the engine and started it up. Oil still leaks. And now my oil light stays on and doesnt go out. Can this be my oil leak or possibly somewhere else; whats the remedy?

Not to change the subject totally...but isn't that the bolt-type device that has an electric connector at the end of it which is screwed into the back of the block next to the distributor? Just wondering what that was.

Originally posted by 1972_chevelle:
First off, my newly installed replacement 350 started leaking alot of oil. At first i noticed it leaking off the bellhousing, then followed the leak to above the filter at the oil pressure senser. Then i noticed that the top of it was uncapped. So i plugged it back in, cleaned the engine and started it up. Oil still leaks. And now my oil light stays on and doesnt go out. Can this be my oil leak or possibly somewhere else; whats the remedy? The sender doesn't have a cap. There is a rubber boot on some with the wire in it but there should be no oil on top or anywhere else on the sender.
Sounds like it is broke. Just replace it.
If it is the stock type there is a special socket that fits it so you don't damage it while removing or installing.

I didnt think it should have oil near it, but it does control whether the oil idiot light comes on because with it connected its on and with it unconnected its off.

Sounds like the sender is leaking. Install a new one and use that special socket, or it will probabley leak again.

A small dab of teflon thread sealer never hurts either.

Can i pick one up at pep boys or someplace like that?

Yes

You can get one at just about any auto parts store. I usually try not to bash anyone but I would steer clear of a Pep Boys. Try something like NAPA or Carquest. I've found that their parts are usually a little better quality. Make sure you tell them that the sensor is for a car with an "idiot" light and not a gauge. Sometimes they are different part numbers. Also I know that most NAPA's have a tool rack somewhere and you could probably get the socket and the sensor in one trip.

Thanks for the help guys, i replaced the sensor but there is still a slight oil drip, much less than before though. I dont think its coming from the sensor now, maybe the distributor?

did you use the thread sealer on the sending unit?

i used teflon tape.

The leak could be coming from the distributor hole in the manifold. Maybe a gasket replacement is in order?

ok lev,
ill replace that and see what happens, thanks

One more place to check is the back of the manifold, where it meets the block. I've always thrown out the rubber end of the gasket for that, and used a good thick bead of RTV - the rubber ends tend to leak. Could be a place to check - it will look almost like a distributor hole leak, even though it isn't. You may replace the small paper gasket under the distributor, and not fix the leak, if it's a monifold gasket leak :(

Can you clean off all the oil on the block/manifold, and start it again, and see where it leaks? Pinpointing it would be nice, but it's not always possible. If it is the back of the manifold... I know people will probably yell at me for this ( smile.gif ) -> just slather some orange RTV on it after cleaning it off, let it dry for a few hours, and enjoy. Fixed quite a few leaks in my old 350 that way, and no one was the wiser - the orange RTV looks just like the engine paint :cool:

Thanks for the advise Lev, but i finally found the leak-the corner of my right valve cover (driver side) or is that left? Anyway no more oil leak, thanks again.

Good job! Way easier than anything I said :D