Oil Sender Unit


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Old 01-22-21, 04:02 PM
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Oil Sender Unit

2013 F150 Lariat 5.0 oil sender unit is acting up and I’m changing it out. Do I need to drain the oil?
 
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Old 01-22-21, 04:46 PM
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With cold oil and a quick changeout you might lose less than 4 oz.
 
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Old 01-22-21, 05:14 PM
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On that vehicle it should be located on the oil filter housing.
It'll be behind the alternator. Oil loss will be minimal.
 
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Old 01-22-21, 05:16 PM
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And leave the oil fill cap and dipstick in place so you don't let air in.
There's maybe 1 PSI of pressure pushing the oil out.
 
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Old 01-22-21, 05:20 PM
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The top of the engine isn't at a vacuum so there's nothing you can do to slow the flow.
 
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Old 01-22-21, 07:00 PM
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So the oil should trickle out and I’m quick with the change I should be ok, right?
 
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Old 01-22-21, 07:14 PM
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Pretty sure that sensor is above the level of the oil in the oil pan so there shouldn't be a lot of oil coming out. I would plan on changing it quickly.
 
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Old 01-22-21, 07:44 PM
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Roger that. Thanks PJ, appreciate the help.
 
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Old 01-23-21, 07:07 AM
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Depending on what the dipstick tells you, jacking up the truck on one end or one side or parking on a hill may insure the oil surface is below the sending unit opening.
 
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Old 01-23-21, 09:20 AM
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I was on a slight incline and no oil leaked.

A couple of notes:
The oil sender is located kind of elevated behind the alternator on the engine block.

Also it is angled towards the front passenger tire and not square to the engine block.

Yours may also have electrical tape around the sensor and wires and will require you to cut the tape to pull/remove the connector.

A 22mm deep socket.and ratchet will get the sensor out.

Thanks to all for the advice and help.
 
 

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