Oil level sender

[JoshT]

My 98 Explorer V8 has a low oil sender in the oil pan. I have to swap to a dual sump pan for this swap and it doesn't have a place for the sender. From what I can see in my EVTM this sensor is just for a warning in the message center (AKA center console). This explorer was an Eddie Bauer so it had the message center, but I'm not putting all of that into my truck. I know how to check the oil level myself and do so regularly in everything else. Never needed a low oil sender before and don't see why this truck would be any different.

Do I need this sensor for some other reason, or am I okay to delete it? FWIW I am keeping the Explorer's EFI system and much of the electrical system as part of my swap.

 

[RonD]

No you won't need it.
As far as I know that sensor doesn't set any fault code nor is it used by the PCM.

I might add a real oil pressure gauge if possible, Fords sender is a step sender, so only has 3 settings, 0psi, 6psi and 30psi I think

 

[RangerSVT]

Low oil sender is for message center only, the ecu doesn't see this sensor...

SVT

 

[JoshT]

Thanks for the confirmation, that sensor will be deleted. As for the oil pressure gauge. This is going into an 86 Ranger and keeping the 86 dash. The Explorer cluster won't fit right (though it may be used temporarily), so the truck will be getting 100% aftermarket gauges. Just got to figure out which gauges I want, and how to install them. Want to put them behind the stock gauge bezel so that it looks almost stock.

 

[RangerSVT]

Iirc, the ranger instrument cluster from 86-00 all used the same gauge settings (efi), so the 86 instrument cluster should read the explorer senders...


SVT

 

[JoshT]

It may, but the speedo won't work without finding some way to adapt the cable. Even if I managed to make it work (and I'm sure I can), I'd still be stuck with a 85mph speedo. I'd rather replace the speedo, and If I'm replacing it I'm replacing both. Figuring on getting one of those quad gauge package sets and custom mounting it. In the mean time I'll temp use the explorer gauges and use my GPS for a speedometer.

BTW the engine is now in the truck. Have to mold the A/C box a little more so I can slide the cab forward on the frame a little. Didn't bolt the cab back down after setting it back on the frame and as we were sliding the engine into place the cab got knocked back a little. Needs to come forward about 1.5-2", considering that I haven't done any shaping on the box yet I think I have plenty of room to make it work. Need to come up with a transmission cross member as well, the one in there is about a half inch too far forward. I'm thinking that I may be able to make the one from my totaled 84 work, but I'll worry about that more later in the week.

 

[Teddyzee]

As for speedometer, the cable will connect to the 4r70w or T5 or AOD (haven't looked to see what you are using). You will want to use the hybrid VSS/cable drive sensor that was used up to 1994 Rangers and also Fox body Mustangs that had cruise control. This gives a vss signal to the ECU as well as holding the speedometer cable.

 

[JoshT]

Using a late '98 Explorer 4R70W. Its a 98 in name but everything except the fuel system matches a '99 model. This one does not have or use the trans VSS, not even sure if the trans has provisions for it.

As said previously will be changing the gauges any way unless I can luck up on a FMS 140 mph speedo.

 

[RangerSVT]

Josh, I have a 97 2wd 4r70w that has the vss provision, but your wiring harness is not set up for it. I believe you can add the wires into the harness, but you will need a 96 or 97 ecu (SLL3 or XDT2) to function. Your 98 also has pats. To run your speedo with the donor you have, you need the rear axle (vss location), the G force transducer mounted on the driver framerail under the door, and the abs module. All three of these are needed for the speedo to work...


SVT

 

[JoshT]

Pats has already been handled thanks to another member. I'm transferring everything including the ABS system. Rear axle is already in the truck. Will have to check on that G force transducer, will get it transferred if it isn't already.

At the moment the speedo is the least of my concerns. I have a GPS I can use for that. There's also the GPS speedo option. Once I have it running right I will figure out what gauges I want and go from there.

 

[RangerSVT]

It's more than just the speedo, that's how the ECU gets the info to determine shift points and tc lockup. Remember, the ECU controls the trans also. Read my sport track's build thread to learn more, first post...

SVT

 

[JoshT]

Still trying to figure out how we got from oil level sensor to vss. To clarify what I am building I have a 1986 Ranger body, frame and interior. Everything else (except the front brakes) will be from the late 1998 Explorer. That is to include the wiring, sensors, engine, transmission, rear axle, driveshaft, and abs system. I will modify the dash wiring and light wiring to work with the first gen controls and lights. The a/c system will be a conglomeration using some first gen, some third gen, an explorer compressor, and some custom lines. Even the fuel system will mostly be 98 Explorer extended and adapted to a B2 tank. Everything that the efi system needs to work properly should be in the truck, if it isn't them it wasn't I'm the explorer.

Once I have the truck operational I will decide on the tire size and gearing that I will use, at that time I will get a programmer to set the computer right. I will temp mount the explorer cluster in the dash and use that until I get the bugs worked out. Then I will decide how I want to do the gauges, it will be some sort of retrofit just haven't figured out the details yet.

All of that to.say that the engine will have every sensor that it needs to function properly. They will just be surrounded by different sheet metal and the harnesses might be slightly.modified. I just wanted to verify that the oil level sensor was not needed and y'all confirmed that.

 

[RangerSVT]

LOL, better too much info than not enough...


SVT

 

[JoshT]

I hate typing replies on my phone, keep hitting period instead of space.

True enough. I think there was just a little miscommunication going on about what I was doing and what I needed. Figured the easiest way to clear it up is to actually describe what I am doing.

Right now I just need to finish getting the motor in there and mounted properly. Have to come up with a transmission cross member. Also have to find my bearing packer so I can get the new front brakes on and the braking system finished up. Then it'll be time to start putting stuff back together. Just got the biggest hurdle out of the way, now aside from wiring it should all be easy stuff. That is assuming I can remember how all of it goes back together. Hope it goes good I still got the goal of hearing it run in may.

This is my inspiration for the gauges. Not sure if I can actually pull it off but the only way to know is buy a spare cluster, some cheap gauges and try.