Oil pressure sender unit

[MaestroMatt]

The only oil currently spewing out of my car (1983 R series VP) is from the oil pressure sender unit located midway down the back of the sump (directly beneath the middle two spark plugs about half way between them and the floor). It is weeping a bit of oil and before I rush out to Rover and buy a new one, I would like to know a) if it has a gasket of any sort and b) if taking it out, cleaning it up and screwing it in tight would fix the problem. I would just whip it out and see but I don't want to dump half of my new sump-full of oil over the driveway unless I know I am going to be able to fix the problem!

[Dave]

Unscrew it, wrap the threads in plumbers PTFE tape - and then screw it back in tight. That should fix it.

There is no gasket.

Dave

[MaestroMatt]

I did consider using PTFE tape but dismissed it as a frivolous bodge! Is that OK to use with the hot oil that will be sloshing up against it? I will be overjoyed if that is the solution!

[John]

PTFE tape can be used with hot liquids, make sure everything is clean. there is a best way of wrapping the tape, can't remember if it's in the direction of the thread or opposite but if it doesnt work one way try the other. Don't smoke with the tape around, if you draw particles of ptfe into your cig it's particularly nasty.
Have fun

[MaestroMatt]

Tsk, I wouldn't consider smoking with the bonnet up - all that flammable gas floating around the battery - could make a nasty mess of the car! Actually, I wouldn't consider smoking under any circumstances, but this is the wrong forum for getitng preachy...!

[Simon]

If the oil pressure switch is leaking oil out of itself (this can happen) then replace it with a new one, part no. GPS 133. The threads on these can be very stiff.

[BIGLAD]

The threads on the switch are very slightly tapered so if you try just "nipping it up" it may cure your problem. However if you clean the switch off, start the engine and run it atr fast idle for a few minutes you may see that the leak is actually coming from where the plastic part of the switch and the metal base are crimped/bonded together. I have seen this several times and think its just one of those old age things,(No offence intended) replacement is usually the best option.

[MaestroMatt]

Thanks for all the advice - I think I will buy and fit a new one tomorrow as even if it isn't leaking out of itself now, it will probably start soon - especially if all the pressure that is currently being released around the thread is redirected to the switch itself!