What’s this thing called?

[Hectron]

Hey everyone. I was changing the power steering hoses on my 1987 Ford Ranger and noticed what looks like oil leaking from this thing. Anyone know what this is called and what it is for? It is located on the driver side of the truck by the steering box and attached to the motor.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Power steering filter?

 

[Hectron]

It’s not connected to any of the steering components. It’s connected to the motor. I’m trying to get all my leaks buttoned up

 

[dvdswan]

Oil pressure switch. It might be leaking too.

 

[Curious Hound]

Yeah. Looks exactly like my oil pressure switch

 

[DILLARD000]

Yep, it's the OilPressureOff~OnSwitch.
Just an Off~On switch; drives fake gauge OilPressureOff~OnNeedle in the InstrumentCluster.
Can try tightening, if that don't help, replace it.

CORRECTION: Ignore this misinformation; misread the year model!

 

[19Walt93]

Yep, it's the OilPressureOff~OnSwitch.
Just an Off~On switch; drives fake gauge OilPressureOff~OnNeedle in the InstrumentCluster.
Can try tightening, if that don't help, replace it.

Nope, that style is actually a pressure sending unit.

 

[DILLARD000]

Nope, that style is actually a pressure sending unit.

Oops, sorry! I misread his model year as 1997, but it's 1987.
Again sorry for that misinformation.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Often called a oil pressure sender, it is for an oil pressure gauge.

Oil pressure switch is usually an on-off switch which is smaller and for an idiot light, so make sure you get one that looks like what you have.

Threads will take thread sealant if the new one doesn't have anything already applied too.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If the sensor is single wire then the ground is the threaded part that screws into the block. There needs to be metal on metal contact for the ground to work.

 

[Hectron]

Wow! Thank you all. I’ve had this truck a little under a year and have been trying to fix it up little by little as I daily drive it. You all have been great!