Oil sensor removal on 2.9

[Wilcox]

My oil sensor leaking at block, but can't get a socket on it because the motor mount to close to sensor. Actually not sure there is enough room once ya get it broke loose to get it out with out hitting motor mount. Literally a 1/4 inch between the two when tight. Any suggestions. And not enough room for channel locks.

 

[Shran]

Are you talking about the low oil level sensor in the pan or the oil pressure sending unit on the block?

 

[Wilcox]

In the block. I copper wire runs to it. Drivers side front of motor mount. There is a casting on block that sticks out forward of sensor and motor mount to the back side of sensor. VERY limited space. Only way I can see is to unbolt motor mount jack engine up 1 inch to pull out mount so you can get socket on to sensor. Some one must have a trick or ran in to this problem. Any help would be great. Thanks again.

 

[Wilcox]

I will try to figure out how to post pics and post one.

 

[Wilcox]

I'm sure this has been talked about before but can't find anything on this problem. No socket will fit because of motor mount partly blocking sender and the block casting dose not allow channel locks to fit in there any suggestions besides razing motor and removing motor mount??

 

[Paulos]

If channellocks won't fit, the only other thing I can think of trying is to clamp some big vise grips onto the sending unit (rotated as far clockwise as you can when you first clamp them down), then some other tool (channellocks?) on the vise grips. You'll only be able to loosen it a little each time, but it would be better than removing the motor mount.
My '87 has an angled adapter that screws into the block, then the sending unit screws into the angled adapter. I'm surprised your '88 doesn't have one.

 

[Wilcox]

The angled block is a great idea. I will look for one.