Fuel Pressure Sending Unit
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 323
Likes: 14
From: Central KY
Fuel Pressure Sending Unit
I'm terribly close to finalizing a deal on a C5. It'll be my first. I've never even been inside a Vette.
Everything appears awesome about the deal except for the fact that the oil pressure gauge rests on 80psi. It's my understanding that this is a common occurrence with C5s and not really a big deal. Since it's an 8 hour drive to the seller's location, I'm considering asking him to pull the codes for me (and hope he's honest). Are there any particular codes that should scare me away as far as the oil pressure is concerned? Any way to tell for sure that it's just a faulty sending unit? Are these inexpensive to replace?
Any wisdom and insight is greatly appreciated. I'm VERY close to pulling the trigger.
Thanks,
Craig
Everything appears awesome about the deal except for the fact that the oil pressure gauge rests on 80psi. It's my understanding that this is a common occurrence with C5s and not really a big deal. Since it's an 8 hour drive to the seller's location, I'm considering asking him to pull the codes for me (and hope he's honest). Are there any particular codes that should scare me away as far as the oil pressure is concerned? Any way to tell for sure that it's just a faulty sending unit? Are these inexpensive to replace?
Any wisdom and insight is greatly appreciated. I'm VERY close to pulling the trigger.
Thanks,
Craig
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 357
Likes: 9
From: Aston (Philadelphia) PA
It is a very common occurrence on C5s, I had mine go out on me a year after I bought my car in 2013. I don't think it will throw a code, and definitely won't throw a check engine light. Its a defect in the OEM sensor that causes the sensor to fail, and if you check the actual DIC for oil pressure it will show 135psi when it's broken (the analog gauge doesn't go that high, it only goes to 80psi). Anyways, just order a new oil pressure sending unit for about $40, you'll need to pull the intake manifold to get to the sending unit which is on the top rear of the engine. If you're buying a 97-00 model year C5 this would be a good time to put an LS6 intake on it since you'll be removing the intake anyway. It's not a tough job, and just because the sending unit failed doesn't mean the car was beat on or anything. Don't let it scare you from buying the car. Heck, I'd talk him down a few hundred just because of it!
P.S. FWIW, your thread title says fuel pressure unit, not oil sending unit.
P.S. FWIW, your thread title says fuel pressure unit, not oil sending unit.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Here is a list of several ways to replace the Oil Pressure Sending unit:
Sensor is on the back of the engine on the drivers side behind the intake manifold. Except for purists, there is no "Correct" way to fix it.
You can remove the intake manifold.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562006410-post10.html
You can cut a hole under the cowl.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-air-cowl.html
You can replace it without cutting a hole or removing the intake manifold:
Sensor is on the back of the engine on the drivers side behind the intake manifold. Except for purists, there is no "Correct" way to fix it.
You can remove the intake manifold.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562006410-post10.html
You can cut a hole under the cowl.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-air-cowl.html
You can replace it without cutting a hole or removing the intake manifold:
If your NOT a DIY'er you can have the dealer do the repair but bring a large tube of KY jelly with you.
If you are a purist don't read past the first solution!!!!!
[/quote]
I've done 3 of them now. Mine and two for friends. Not a big deal to pull the manifold. I highly recommend doing a relocation kit and / or springing for a brass replacement. I just can't see drilling a hole to do it. Pulling a manifold isn't that hard and sure beats drilling a hole in a healthy car in my mind.
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As long as everything else checks out, make the deal contingent on either the seller getting the sensor fixed or adjust the price a bit to cover you getting it fixed.
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as stated above, the oil pressure sending unit is notorious for crapping out and pegging all the way... so more than likely that's the issue BUT since this is a new purchase for you and seeing how far away you are from the seller I would ask them to have the sensor replaced and verify the correct oil pressure after the repair... if the seller is motivated and confident in what they are selling I wouldn't expect that to be an issue... if they decline to do that then personally I would probably stay away, it would suck to buy a car you are so happy about come to find out it will immediately need a motor
