Leaking Oil Sending Unit - why?

[RABID_MP5]

I traced a mystery oil leak to the sending unit on the back of the block. This had never been messed with. Is it more likely that the threads just decided to leak, or is the unit actually leaking itself? I couldn't tell - trying to figure if I need a new one. The oil pressure light seems to operate normally. First I gotta get the socket for it I guess. Wasn't positive the best sealant to use on it then in any case - or does it have a sealing washer? Just trying not to buy a new one if I don't really need it.

 

[808MP5]

subbin for more info

 

[StealthWyvern]

Just replace it man! mine leaked and it was only like 15 bucks for the part if that much IRCC.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

If you don't mind me asking, where exactly is it located and how obvious was it that it was leaking? I am constantly investigating loss of oil and would like to rule this in or out...pic maybe?

 

[ForceFed]

Back of the block....Above the filter area below the manifold.
One wire on it.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Above the oil filter?

 

[ForceFed]

IIRC....Up and to the right looking from the rear at the rear of the block.

 

[ForceFed]

Here it is I believe...And it to the left..My bad.

 

[808MP5]

Here it is I believe...And it to the left..My bad.

Whats the otherone right above it? Thats where im getting a little dribble.
I know i could check the manual but like it in here better. Its 100x more helpful to *

 

[magnumP5]

That other thing is an electrical connection. Factory knock sensor, I believe?

 

[ForceFed]

Bingo

....the other one is a knock sensor..and If I remember right..you cant get oil from there..its just a threaded hole into the block..no fluids there.
I can go out and look at my block if youd like.

 

[808MP5]

hmm. Interesting. There seems to be something leaking from there. I have to look again to make sure I'm looking at the right one. I don't even know why I was looking back there in the first place LOL.

 

[RABID_MP5]

Well I got it changed out - the sendor itself WAS leaking between the matal and plastic. But hey $5.99 plus about the same for the 1 1/16" socket. Used a little liquid pipe thread sealant I had around. Nice and dry.

 

[808MP5]

yup there some kind of oil on my knock sensor. Gonna try and spray some carbon cleaner on it to get the oil off and see if it comes back

 

[magnumP5]

Definitely not leaking from somewhere above it like at the IM/Head connection or even worse, possibly at the head gasket?

 

[ForceFed]

I will Verify my block today to see if oil is even possible at the knock sensor..but I think its a sealed ,drilled hole...No chance of fluids there.
I'll snap a pic for you.

 

[M2P503]

Definitely not leaking from somewhere above it like at the IM/Head connection or even worse, possibly at the head gasket?

How complicated is it to remove and replace the Oil sending unit? How long of a job is it? What kind of tool do you need exactly?

 

[magnumP5]

How complicated is it to remove and replace the Oil sending unit? How long of a job is it? What kind of tool do you need exactly?

It's been a while since I've worked on a Protege but I recall it being fairly straightforward. I think you can access the sending unit from underneath the car. It's tight but should be doable. Make sure the car has been sitting a while so there's no residual oil up there, undo the connector, and unscrew the sending unit. Installation is the reverse. I forget the "size" of the sending unit but you should be able to use a small crescent or adjusting wrench if you can't unscrew it by hand. Make sure you put some thread sealant on the new unit going in to prevent leaks.

 

[Perro del Sol]

It's been a while since I've worked on a Protege but I recall it being fairly straightforward. I think you can access the sending unit from underneath the car. It's tight but should be doable. Make sure the car has been sitting a while so there's no residual oil up there, undo the connector, and unscrew the sending unit. Installation is the reverse. I forget the "size" of the sending unit but you should be able to use a small crescent or adjusting wrench if you can't unscrew it by hand. Make sure you put some thread sealant on the new unit going in to prevent leaks.

You are correct Jon, I just looked it up.

 

[M2P503]

It's been a while since I've worked on a Protege but I recall it being fairly straightforward. I think you can access the sending unit from underneath the car. It's tight but should be doable. Make sure the car has been sitting a while so there's no residual oil up there, undo the connector, and unscrew the sending unit. Installation is the reverse. I forget the "size" of the sending unit but you should be able to use a small crescent or adjusting wrench if you can't unscrew it by hand. Make sure you put some thread sealant on the new unit going in to prevent leaks.

Thanks John ill look into that and i wil make sure that the car is cold as well.