jdgator
Senior Member
Dashboard reads 0 oil pressure. I know this is not so. So let's pop the hood on the old Z71 and change the oil pressure sending unit.
Daughter asked why I don't bring this truck to a shop. Girlfriend asks why I don't buy a new truck. We can easily afford it. I explain that the truck and the DIY validates my continual purchase of tools. I was told I am a tool.
The first step is to locate the oil pressure sender. It is located on the back of the engine block, up against the firewall. Difficult to visually locate. First, I used an air tool and blew around the area to remove dirt and debris before working. I don't want any additional gunk getting into the oil reservoir.
Next, I descended the 7 levels of Purgatory and inserted myself in the engine well so I could reach the back of the block.
It was at this point that I realized that every tool that I needed was not within grasp. It also seems that every time I re-entered the engine well I was immediately summoned into the house to offer opinions on issues ranging from the reorganization of decorative pillows on the guest room bed to the evening's dinner menu selection.
Next, I extirpated the sensor connector from the top of the oil sensor. This turned out to be the hardest part of the task. It's removal requires the depression of a small tang on the back of the sensor while simultaneously exerting significant upward force. Engine heat causes the plastic to expand and meld together. You need fingers the width and length of Twizzlers to reach and manipulate the tang but you also need the hand strength of a gorilla to wrest it free.
To remove the oil pressure sensor a specialized socket is required. 1 and 1/16 I believe. I bought mine at a Harbor Freight Sale several years back and finally got around to using it. Like I said, I am a tool nut.
First, I seated the socket firmly on the oil sensor. To the socket I affixed a wobble socket, 6 inch extension, and 3/8 ratchet wrench. It came out pretty easily.
For the 2007-2013 Silverado model years there is a small screen seated below the oil sensor. It must be removed and replaced, as it eventually becomes clogged with sludge. (Thanks, AFM.) In the picture below, the screen is just visible.
I used a pick set to remove the screen. I then used the pick set to clean my teeth, as I am a firm believer in good oral hygiene.
Next, I took a break to visit to the parts store and the Circle K for a delicious, cold Polar Pop. I got home and played matchy-matchy, samey-samey with the new and old components.
I wish I had pictures of installation but I was distracted by my daughter's weekly meltdown on the injustices of her not being allowed a TikTok account at the ripe old age of nine and a half. When installation was complete I changed the oil and oil filter as a precaution against any objects entering the engine.
The project total was just over 98 dollars for the replacement parts, supplies, and the Polar Pop. The total elapsed time was 3 hours, including part trip. This service procedure could have been completed in less than an hour if I was not repeatedly called upon to admire new coastal décor and prevent a child from pursuing her dreams of becoming a social media influencer.
Finally, good oil pressure readings:
Cheers!
Daughter asked why I don't bring this truck to a shop. Girlfriend asks why I don't buy a new truck. We can easily afford it. I explain that the truck and the DIY validates my continual purchase of tools. I was told I am a tool.
The first step is to locate the oil pressure sender. It is located on the back of the engine block, up against the firewall. Difficult to visually locate. First, I used an air tool and blew around the area to remove dirt and debris before working. I don't want any additional gunk getting into the oil reservoir.
Next, I descended the 7 levels of Purgatory and inserted myself in the engine well so I could reach the back of the block.
It was at this point that I realized that every tool that I needed was not within grasp. It also seems that every time I re-entered the engine well I was immediately summoned into the house to offer opinions on issues ranging from the reorganization of decorative pillows on the guest room bed to the evening's dinner menu selection.
Next, I extirpated the sensor connector from the top of the oil sensor. This turned out to be the hardest part of the task. It's removal requires the depression of a small tang on the back of the sensor while simultaneously exerting significant upward force. Engine heat causes the plastic to expand and meld together. You need fingers the width and length of Twizzlers to reach and manipulate the tang but you also need the hand strength of a gorilla to wrest it free.
To remove the oil pressure sensor a specialized socket is required. 1 and 1/16 I believe. I bought mine at a Harbor Freight Sale several years back and finally got around to using it. Like I said, I am a tool nut.
First, I seated the socket firmly on the oil sensor. To the socket I affixed a wobble socket, 6 inch extension, and 3/8 ratchet wrench. It came out pretty easily.
For the 2007-2013 Silverado model years there is a small screen seated below the oil sensor. It must be removed and replaced, as it eventually becomes clogged with sludge. (Thanks, AFM.) In the picture below, the screen is just visible.
I used a pick set to remove the screen. I then used the pick set to clean my teeth, as I am a firm believer in good oral hygiene.
Next, I took a break to visit to the parts store and the Circle K for a delicious, cold Polar Pop. I got home and played matchy-matchy, samey-samey with the new and old components.
I wish I had pictures of installation but I was distracted by my daughter's weekly meltdown on the injustices of her not being allowed a TikTok account at the ripe old age of nine and a half. When installation was complete I changed the oil and oil filter as a precaution against any objects entering the engine.
The project total was just over 98 dollars for the replacement parts, supplies, and the Polar Pop. The total elapsed time was 3 hours, including part trip. This service procedure could have been completed in less than an hour if I was not repeatedly called upon to admire new coastal décor and prevent a child from pursuing her dreams of becoming a social media influencer.
Finally, good oil pressure readings:
Cheers!
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