Chevrolet Cruze Forums banner

How-To: Install Oil Press gauge sensor to/with OEM Oil Sender

23912 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Dragonsys
I posted this in my other post, First couple mods the Cruze. But this seems a better place for it.

Auto part Fuel line Engine Vehicle Pipe



This is in response to a message I got. If anyone is curious on where to place a "T" connection for the Oil Press gauge here it is. Circled in orange is the oil filter housing. At the base of that housing is the OEM Oil Sending Unit( Red Arrow). Without the "T", picture it in place of the "T". Remove the OEM Oil Sending Unit( I believe a 7/8 deep socket, 6 point preferred) and place the "T" connection. Please use thread tape to help prevent leaks. I got my "T" from GlowShift.com, it's a 3 way splitter. The best way to do this is with the GlowShift pressure unit to be facing straight out like in the picture and with the OEM unit where it is in the pic. If either of them are on the bottom near the exhaust manifold, the heat could likely destroy either sensor. Be sure to put the heat absorbent cover back on the OEM sensor connector( Blue Arrow), a must do. If you don't, it could cause future problems down the road. If you don't put the OEM sensor back on at all, the engine is likely not to start or will start then shut off. If anyone needs better picture(s), let me know and I'll do my best to get them. If you need any additional info, I'll be glad to help you out.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
What parts did you need to get besides the T Connector?
Do you recall what size/type of T Connector you used?
What parts did you need to get besides the T Connector?
Do you recall what size/type of T Connector you used?

I bought the Oil pressure gauge kit from glowshift, but haven't installed it yet. I ordered my T fitting from them as well. When you install your gauge, let me know how it went! I'll hopefully be doing mine sometime next week. I've got the gauge in and the wiring run, just need to put the sensor on.
My advice to this, is to use an actual thread sealant not teflon tape, and if possble, use a steel adaptor or t-fitting. I used a brass fitting for my first OP install years ago, and teflon tape, and the sender was not grounding right. It was sending incorrect numbers making me think OP was low. I changed to a steel T fitting, and used a thread locker/sealant. Have not had any issues sense then.
I bought the Oil pressure gauge kit from glowshift, but haven't installed it yet. I ordered my T fitting from them as well. When you install your gauge, let me know how it went! I'll hopefully be doing mine sometime next week. I've got the gauge in and the wiring run, just need to put the sensor on.
Is this the on you got? 1/8 NPT T Fitting Adapter

My advice to this, is to use an actual thread sealant not teflon tape, and if possble, use a steel adaptor or t-fitting. I used a brass fitting for my first OP install years ago, and teflon tape, and the sender was not grounding right. It was sending incorrect numbers making me think OP was low. I changed to a steel T fitting, and used a thread locker/sealant. Have not had any issues sense then.
Where did you get the adapter & sealant?
Where did you get the adapter & sealant?
I got the fitting from a local hardware store. I think it was an electrical "conduit" instead of a brass plumbing adaptor. The sealant was either the GM engine build sealant, or permatex #px59214. I cant remember which one. But I made sure I had everything I needed, "built" the adaptor, and let the sealant settle over night, then installed it in the car the next day, and let it set for a day before driving.
Does anyone know specifics about the connector needed? I cannot seem to find this info anywhere and with my luck I would have to buy a ton of them before I found the right size.
I might have to buy a spare from GM and take it to the Hardware Store.
Called the dealer, a new Oil Sening Unit is less than $20, so I will buy one and take it and the one for my gauge to the Hardware store and figure out what size I need. I will report back with the parts I find.
Looking forward to it. I need to tap into that same thread to install my bypass filtration kit.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App
So far so good. I have not hooked up the wires to the gauge yet, but I don't have any CELs. Could use a shorter than 1.5" nipple, but it does extend the new sensor out making it easy to get to the wire terminals. I will try and remember to get some pictures in the next couple of days.
Ok, I would not recommend this sealant. After about 30 miles it washed out, and I developed an oil leak, right next to the exhaust manifold.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top