ok i give up whats the trick?

[firefighterco2]

Trying to replace the oil pressure sending unit on my '87 k5. My gauge isn't working so I was going to replace the unit behind the distributor. Where it is located next to the firewall I can't get a wrench or that fancy $14 socket I bought. So what's the trick?

'87 chevy k5 blazer
350 tbi

 

[sweetk30]

thats the engine ecu unit.

the gauge one is left side of block down buy the oil filter unit.

and if you ever try and spin out the rear one on tbi engines use 2 wrenches 1 to hold the brass adaptor or it WILL snap off and dealer or junk yard only.

and it requires a special socket or cheeters trick channel lock pliers.

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other tbi spec info .

temp gauge sender is left head plug by exaust ports like normal.

the temp sendor in the intake feeds the ecm / computer the temp info.

 

[4xcrazy]

I think this depends on how many wires he has on his. Mine has like 3 or 4 wires and does not have the unit at the side of the block. I always just used a crescent wrench on them, but usually the distributor was removed..

 

[4X4HIGH]

thats the engine ecu unit.

the gauge one is left side of block down buy the oil filter unit.

and if you ever try and spin out the rear one on tbi engines use 2 wrenches 1 to hold the brass adaptor or it WILL snap off and dealer or junk yard only.

and it requires a special socket or cheeters trick channel lock pliers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

other tbi spec info .

temp gauge sender is left head plug by exaust ports like normal.

the temp sendor in the intake feeds the ecm / computer the temp info.

There are 2 different senders used. If he has the 3 wire sender it IS next to the distributor and it is a dual function sender (oil pressure gauge AND back-up for fuel pump relay).

 

[Blue85]

I just swapped mine. The 85 has a little T-adapter out of the block that goes to the sender and the switch - both at 45 degrees from the block. The "can" sender has 1-wire. It seemed almost impossible to get a wrench in there without pulling the distributor.

EDIT: oh yeah, looking for replacements, most places listed the switch as a sender and the sender as a switch, so make sure you order the right part.

 

[firefighterco2]

So the trick is to pull the distributer? I tried just pulling the cap but that still didnt leave me enough room.

 

[Blue85]

Yes, if you are working on the back of the block getting the dizzy out helps a lot. Depending on your wires, you may be able to just prop it up 4" or so without unplugging everything.