oil pressure gauge installation problem

[ncrks13]

I'm installing an oil pressure gauge on my s13. I have an sr20 and i can't get the old oil filter out, and it doesnt look like theres room for the new filter and the pressure sending unit/ block adapter unit
any help would be cool

[96Turbo]

first, get an oil filter wrench to get out the old filter. It's like a metal strap with a handle that tightens onto the filter and should get it off for you. Or just use a big pair of channel lock pliers. I'm not sure what the clearance by the oil filter is on an SR, but that sound strange that you wouldn't have room. I'm sure there's tons of SR guys who use the filter sandwich adapter. If that's really the case then get a filter relocation kit. Or is there a stock oil pressure sensor on the SR?? maybe you could use that

[ncrks13]

i have the sandwhich adapter, it just seems like a reallly tight fit

[khilgers]

there is a factory oil pressure sendor located by the filter. When I installed my DEFI gauge I just unscrewed the OEM one and installed the sender that came with the gauge. DONE.

[ncrks13]

ill try that

[kikit-sideways]

you should be able to get to it from the top, if not get it from underneath, it is probly just sealed if it hasnt been changed, when u put the new filter, put a small film of oil so it is easier next time, but yeah what he said, it would be easier to get a relocation kit

[khilgers]

IMO I would not install a sandwich block when you can just remove the old sender and install the new one. Just 1 less leak waiting to happen, but that's just my $.02

[ncrks13]

i cant find the old sending unit

[96Turbo]

it's on the piece where the oil filter screws in. correct? I'm pretty sure it's on the same block. Above and to the right of the filter

[ncrks13]

it's on the piece where the oil filter screws in. correct? I'm pretty sure it's on the same block. Above and to the right of the filter

is it that way on an sr?

[96Turbo]

you can see it here
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj187/crazyhazey33/standard.jpg

[ncrks13]

ohh thanks maybe that'll help

[ncrks13]

ill add that the owner before me had the engine swapped from a CA , and the filter is completely invisible from the engine bay, and from underneath the car you can hardly touch it,

maybe the owner neglected something?

[DirtyS14]

Does anybody know the thread size of the stock oil pressure sender?

[burnsauto]

Does anybody know the thread size of the stock oil pressure sender?

nissan uses 1/8 BSPT (british standard pipe thread) for the stock pressure sensor.

[DirtyS14]

nissan uses 1/8 BSPT for the stock pressure sensor.

Cool thanks... and its removal does no harm to the car?

[burnsauto]

Cool thanks... and its removal does no harm to the car?

me personally, i use a sandwich. it just doesnt sit right with me to take out the stock pressure sensor. what sandwich do you have?

[unicoladron]

if you remove the OE oil pressure switch, the dummy light in your dash will turn on, but you can just cut the wire or do whatever to disable it. you won't need it anymore since you're installing a real oil pressure sender and accompanying it with a gauge for accurate pressure readings.

and no, the previous owner neglected nothing. the SR oil filter placement is horrible, thus the popularity of oil filter relocation kits. but really, clean the surface with some alcohol to get the grease off so you can grip it better, and go at it. you'll end up getting frustrated, and busting a knuckle, but you got the fucker off right.

have fun.

[burnsauto]

its not that hard to take off....just remove the intake manifold bracket. you dont really need it anyway..

[projectRDM]

if you remove the OE oil pressure switch, the dummy light in your dash will turn on, but you can just cut the wire or do whatever to disable it. you won't need it anymore since you're installing a real oil pressure sender and accompanying it with a gauge for accurate pressure readings.

and no, the previous owner neglected nothing. the SR oil filter placement is horrible, thus the popularity of oil filter relocation kits. but really, clean the surface with some alcohol to get the grease off so you can grip it better, and go at it. you'll end up getting frustrated, and busting a knuckle, but you got the fucker off right.

have fun.

Please quit posting when you have no idea what you're talking about.
Removing the OE oil pressure switch does NOT trip the warning light. The light only comes on when the lead is grounded, being unplugged eliminates any possibility of that.

To the OP, throw the OE switch in the trash, it's completely useless. It leaks over time (it probably already is) and only trips the warning light below 8psi of oil pressure. 8psi on a warmed up engine above 2k RPM means a spun bearing, no matter what.

[Tops*]

its not that hard to take off....just remove the intake manifold bracket. you dont really need it anyway..

Exactly. I believe it was 3 12mm bolts. Even after removing, you'll barely have enough room to cup the filter with your hand. You probably won't be able to torque it off with your hand if it's on there that tight. Just get an oil filter wrench that clamps on the filter tight and go to town so you don't bust up your knuckles. Don't spend $100+ on a relocation kit. Wait to get an oil cooler/relocation kit for that.

[ncrks13]

Exactly. I believe it was 3 12mm bolts. Even after removing, you'll barely have enough room to cup the filter with your hand. You probably won't be able to torque it off with your hand if it's on there that tight. Just get an oil filter wrench that clamps on the filter tight and go to town so you don't bust up your knuckles. Don't spend $100+ on a relocation kit. Wait to get an oil cooler/relocation kit for that.
thanks for the help, ill try that tomorrow morning:hsdance:

[fliprayzin240sx]

Another option is since S13 SR filter placement sucks due to the manifold, get yourself a greddy oil filter relocation kit. The kit had a place on there for the oil pressure sensor. Stick it in there and call it quits.

As far as the manifold bracket, TAKE THAT SHIET OFF!!! Its the bracket that gets on the way when you stick your hand under the manifold. Kinda shaped like a Y.

[burnsauto]

thanks for the help, ill try that tomorrow morning:hsdance:

please dude, dont double post. i know you wanna get this done with...but just leave it to one.


i know the filters can be a little tough to take off, especially after sitting on there for awhile...and the sr doesnt give you alot of room.

a few different things to try.

• hands - hey...if they're small enough, its doable.
• wrench - ive had them fit in there, and gotten enough torque to make it move a little, you dont need it to move much, then after that you can do the rest with your hands
• a screwdriver. - dont just go halfway through it, get the screwdriver ALL the way through the filter.
• oil filter wrench - most wont fit in there, so its pointless to buy one.
• a 3/8's drive filter socket, if you can make it fit..all power to you

if you still are having trouble, you may have to remove the alternator real quick to get some more working space.

good luck :bigok: