Can the oil tank sender seal be replaced in situ?

[PeteKz]

Or do I have to drain and drop the tank?

Yeah it’s leaking pretty badly. So I gotta do it, one way or the other.

[proporsche]

i usually drain the tank .it does not take to long..
Ivan

[brighton911]

No problem to change the sender seal with the tank in place. Of course, it must be drained and cleaned well before opening it up. I found the screws holding the sender down were loose, likely due to the gasket shrinking.

[Anothray099]

The oil tank sender seal can be replaced in situ, but it is a notoriously difficult, messy, and risky job.

It is not a simple "drain and replace" task and requires a significant amount of skill, patience, and the right tools.

[proporsche]

petekz: very easy job not as anoth..saying
Just make sure you have the surface clean after you remove the sender .Also align the gasket to the sender prior inserting it into the tank .It goes in with a little twist float pointing down and after turn the sender to it final position..no brainer Also use only cork gasket not silicone, plus new washers ,nuts could be the old ...

Ivan

[PeteKz]

Guys, thanks for the advice. So I can replace the seal in place, but there is the risk of getting dirt into the tank, which goes directly to the oil pump amd bearings. One other “twist” to the job: My car is a 1973, which does not have flared fenders of 1978 and later, so it will be tighter working in there. I will look at removing the tank first. By removing it, I can also clean out any sediment collected in the bottom since 1973!

[PeteKz]

One other question. Was the original seal cork or rubber? Maybe just tightening it will work for awhile.

[Flat6pac]

Get the rubber one and split it on top to pass around the bolts. Narrow body makes removal difficult. Put a dab of aircraft permatex on the split as you close the job.
Bruce

[PeteKz]

Great idea. Thanks.

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

Get the rubber one and split it on top to pass around the bolts. Narrow body makes removal difficult. Put a dab of aircraft permatex on the split as you close the job.
Bruce

yes good idea with some permatex..i have always found the rubber way to thin that is why suggested the cork The rubber i used mostly on fuel level sending unit

thanx Bruce
ivan

[PeteKz]

I have replacement rubber gasket already. It's pretty thick. I didn't measure it, but close to 1/8". I got it with the fuel sender unit I ordered a couple years ago.

FYI: The fuel and oil sender gaskets are the same part number.

[brighton911]

In light of the non flared fenders, I think you should be looking at removing the tank. On my 86, getting the sender in and out was on the tight side but doable. Without the extra room from the flares, I bet it would be difficult.

[PeteKz]

Temporary success: the nuts on the sender were loose enough that I could remove a couple of them with my fingers. I decided to just try tightening them. No oil drips driving it around today. I will replace the seal eventually. I plan to drop the engine and trans this winter anyway, and will have to drain the oil and disconnect the hoses as part of that process. That will be the best time to do it.