BURL

Have 2003 base coupe. I've read many posts on replacing the sending unit with out removing the intake and I am about to try. I do not want to cut the access hole in the car. However, I need to purchase the 1 1/16th sending unit socket to do the work. When I search online I find many, many sockets for sale. The main difference in the sockets seem to be the depth. Some look like a deep well while others don't appear to be much longer than a standard socket. I have swivels, universal joints, various extensions, etc, so I'm not worried about what to use with the socket.

My question is "Is the deep well needed and will it's length create interference" and "If the shorter socket will work it appears that it would allow more working room - true?".

Anyone tried the shorter or longer socket and what can you say about which is necessary or the best for the application??

Thanks

coupeguy2001

I have changed it 3 times. get the long socket.
remove engine covers,
First move the hoses out of the way, starting with the breather on the left head at the back under the drip tray.
Then make yourself a connector puller by using a coat hanger, Use the long side of the hangar, then make a U in one end, with a curl up at the end of the u. Bend the long end in a gentle curve, and bend the opposite end of the u in a 90 so you can grip it with oily hands.
use a flash light, locate the sender connector and determine the clip side.
Then gently slide the u under the clip, and with your other hand, pull the wire gently. the connector will slide right off, but take care and use caution.
then assemble the socket, a 1/2 inch universal then a one foot long extension, and then a ratchet.
get a strip of duct tape a half inch wide, an inch or so long, and tape it to the inside of the socket on one of the flats. This holds the sender unit in the socket, and it doesn't fall out.
then snake the socket down over the sender, and just back it out.
After you get the sender out, clean the area with a bit of old washcloth taped to your finger.
Clear the area where the hole is by making radial strokes away from the hole.
If you do not clean the area, you will certainly knock dirt into the hole trying to get the sender started.
Everybody is so worried about the torque. If you just snug it up, I found it doesn't leak, doesn't tweak the housing, and mine lasted about two years the first time, five years the second, and I'm on the third one. it has been there over a year, and no leaks.
do not try to "torque" it. I think the torqueing of it tends to shorten the life of the sender.
I just snuggged it up and put some non hardening gasket sealer I got at autozone on the threads in a small amount. It works it's way up to the gasket when you screw it in, and prevents the oil from wicking it's way up the threads. also helps hold the gasket on the threads.
Then push the connector back onto the sender, and reconnect the hoses. put the engine covers back on and check your oil pressure. You're done!

Pounder

I relocated mine once !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

coupeguy2001

i didn't relocate, I just changed bad senders.
Didn't expect to change it more than once, but O'Reilly's has a lifetime warranty, so I only bought one.
It takes about half hour, so not a big deal.
Besides, If I am going to go to the trouble of buying a socket that big, I want to use it more than once...................

chain_5001

Whichever way you do it you'll need the deep socket.

TOPCATHR

I got my socket from advance auto, it is reversible its two sizes. I used a piece of tubing on the sensor to get it started.

tommypenguin

If I could do it again I would have just pulled the intake manifold, super easy at that point. Ended up relocating the sensor when I had to rebuild my motor just in case it every went out again.

Pounder