I have a '99 Ford Ranger 3.0L and I cannot find the sending unit. I have heard it is on the passenger side, but is it on the top, back, or side? Pictures would be great.

 

On your 3.0L, the sending switch is in the block behind the PS cylinder head - hard to see from above. Go in through the wheel well and push the rubber splash shield out of the way for a better view. The wire to it is dark green/white.

 

Thanks rwenzing! Those images are great. The simplest part always has to be the hardest to get to.

 

To add to this, does any one know what the TPI (threads per inch) and size for the sending unit is? I'd like to run an aux oil pressure gauge as opposed to just the Yes pressure, No pressure on the instrument panel. I saw a plan for running a fuel line to a "T" that had the original sending unit plus an aux sending unit for an additional gauge.

Cheers,

Doc

 

should be 1/8 NPT but not sure...and yes run a T or your check gauge light will be on all the time

 

I believe it's 1/4" NPT for the OP sending switch.

 

Bobs right...i got fuel pressure gauge on the brain from working on the Fairmont tonight

 

Thanks guys!

Cheers,

Doc

 

If there's any way to avoid it, I definitely would not use fuel line on anything for the lubrication system. The space behind the 3.0L head is cramped but there is enough room to tee in both senders using only metal pipe fittings. Removing or repositioning the plastic inner fender gives good wheel well access to that area .

There used to be a photo of just such a setup in a post here on R-F but it is no longer working.

 

So I have found it and replaced it. I'm replying to mention how I did it.

Remember I have a 3.0L engine, the oil sending unit does vary on the engines.

I stood on the passenger side tire and leaned over to where the passenger corner of the engine is. You can spot the sending unit by looking at the transmission fluid dipstick and following it down 15'' or so. If your looking down the right area you will see the oxygen sensor further down on the exhaust. The sending unit did have the 2 green and white wires coming from it but was a little missleading at first since it is mostly covered by a black wire protector.

Now after finding... the old sending unit/switch, whatever it may be coined, uses a 13/16'' socket. You need a deep socket. I put a 3'' extension on a 1/2'' ratchet. Make sure the socket is on all the way, it should fit like a glove. The will be some play due to the narrow shoulder the unit uses, but in means of the circumference the socket will be dead on.

Now for the new one. Ford decided to redesign the unit (maybe due to the commom problems with the old one) it now needs a 1'' 1/16'' deep socket. Again I attached the socket first to the sending unit, then threaded it in with my hands to prevent crossthreading. Now I attached a universal joint to the ratchet then attached it to the socket. (the extension was now too long due to the length of the deep socket) It took fewer turns with the new oil sending unit then it did taking it off because I threaded it on with my hands mostly.

Hope this helps someone else.

 

Great info blazing hornet! I was considering adding a aux oil gauge soon. This will definetely come in handy!

 

i replaced the stock switch with a mechanical equos gauge two days ago and love it. i didnt do a tee quite yet so my check gauge light is "on" on the dash and the gauge reads zero. the equos gauge came from orielly and it was 20 big ones so super cheap and really gives a nice accurate 270 degree sweep! i mounted it down by the cup holder and can post pics if anybody is dying to see it. That sender unit location is quite a pain to work with but ok once you take the wheel off and get under the well. My mind is at ease knowing what my oil pressure is these days :)

cheers

M

 

This really helps. Can a sending unit leak oil? I have a bad oil leak about there on that side of the engine , at least thats the worst one. one more any chance I can can break it it off?