oil pressure switch location help needed

[olbuddybob]

OKay folks, here is my problem. I have a 400 SBC, that I am changing out the aftermarket mechanical oil pressure gauge and attempting to use the original in dash gauge. The sending unit does not clear the HEI distributor. First fix I am thinking is to use a street 45 deg elbow to offset the sending unit to clear the distributor. While attempting this I discovered that I cannot turn the elbow more than a couple of revolutions before it comes in contact with the intake and will not seal. This seams like it should be a simple job that is turning into a project. I don't think I have ever had to remove a distributor or intake to change a sending unit. Is it possible to relocate the sending unit to another location ( Not sure where this would be). Maybe there is a smaller type gauge sending unit available? Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Bob

[squirrel]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

look on the side of the block above the oil filter, should be a 1/4" pipe plug that you can use. Chevy used it for a pressure switch to run the electric choke/fuel pump, and some other things, over the years. Might not give completely accurate pressure like the proper one will?

Instead of a street elbow, get a short nipple and a regular elbow to put it near the distributor.

[trukluvr]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

I had problems with my original sending unit leaking on my 350. I found that there are 2 different sending units for SBC. One is shorter than the other. You may want to look at both at a parts store to determine if either will resolve your problem.

[squirrel]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

kind of depends on what gage it has, too...they changed over the years. although the idiot light one mostly stayed the same!

[olbuddybob]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

Instead of a street elbow, get a short nipple and a regular elbow to put it near the distributor.

Went with this plan. Seems to work ok and only looks a little hokey. I only hope I was able to tighten it enough to prevent a leak.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

factory sbc used a short piece of pipe and a 45 degree
go scrounge a 305 or even a 299 v6 in the junkyard

[fabricatordave]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

factory sbc used a short piece of pipe and a 45 degree
go scrounge a 305 or even a 299 v6 in the junkyard

x2 a J/Y trip is in order the 80-90s small blocks had a fitting in the back that was 1 1/2 or so tall with a 90 som you could point it toward the driver side try that

[olbuddybob]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

I am going to take a look I am due for a trip to the yard anyway.

[Caveman]

Re: oil pressure switch location help needed

What do 4.3's use?

I cobbled a little extension for the 45* elbow on my 350 out of hardware store fittings. Some teflon tape, put the fitting in first, then screwed on the sending unit. So far, so good.