Technical Oil pressure sender location on a 350 SBC crate

I searched other threads and there seem to be multiple locations to put the sender. I’m not sure if this is the spot behind the distributor or above the oil filter mount. There’s also a plug lower in the block behind the headers. Also the threaded hole above and to the right of the oil filter is not a dead end, a six inch probe would have fallen in. What’s it for and should I plug it ? A few pics to help my babbling, and thanks in advance.

 

I have used both(near distributor and above oil filter) and at least one engine that had one on the front just below the intake manifold. It will be interesting if there is a reason why one is better than another. My thought is that any of the locations will work.

 

Thanks, I’m trying to verify if the hole in pic just behind where the distributor will go is in fact a sender port.

 

Near the distributor at rear of intake manifold (second picture) is common location. The one above oil filter is from machining the oil passage to the filter and has to be plugged, the one near the header looks like water jacket plug.

 

Thanks, wasn’t sure if the intake would cover that hole. It’s the one I want to use. And thanks for tip on the open hole above the oil filter. Never worked on a SBC, only SBF’s, sorry the questions are so elementary

 

The one on the front below the intake was for an oil line to lube the air compressor on big trucks with air brakes. I don't remember where the return line went.

 

any of them will work the oil pressure should be the same If you are going to use a big HEI distributor the sender might not fit at the back of the block, Chevrolet put then down by the exhaust manifold on some engines.

 

Thanks, I’m using a older style distributor, don’t think it will be a problem there.

 

It’ll fit fine there with an HEI.


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the one down low on the side of the block (either side) will let you know the pressure of the cooling system..they're water drain plugs

chevy used the one at the top rear for oil pressure senders for years, then switched to the one above the oil filter in later years. They used both for a while, one was for the guage, the other for the switch that turned on the electric choke.

 

Classic Instruments recommends next to the dist. If it's too tight you can use a 45 degree fitting.
Don't use any thread sealer as it will ruin the ground.

 

Thanks @ squirrel and@ Blake, it’s all in the details, looking for a workshop manual but what year for a crate from 2014 made south of the border


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That engine is similar to the 1970s truck engines

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Thanks, this alternator bracket is off a 70 c-10, fits perfectly.

 

I read somewhere that the hole in front of the intake was on engines made in Michigan but not the ones in Tonawanda.
I had a 1955 and that used that hole to supply oil to the optional oil filter mounted above the intake.

 

I can't imagine any " sealer" and it'd take a lot of tape, and even then the fitting would only be finger tight to disrupt the grounding of a metal fitting in a steel block ....

 

You could put a sensor in one position for a gauge and a switch in the other hole for an oil pressure warning light, if you didn't need it for an electric choke thermostat like Jim said.

 

Thanks guys, appreciate the replies, every little detail helps a lot. Going to use the hole near the distributor. For some reason I’m not getting notifications when I get replies, so sorry I was so slow to respond. Thanks

 

A good solution is to by one of the new sandwich plates that mounts to the oil filter and housing. Instantly gives you two oil pressure sensing ports.

 

Never heard of it. Any pics ?

 

that doesn't sound like something that you need...

 

You guys are just trying to confuse me, not hard to do either

 

To view oil pessure sandwich plates go to Google.

 

Thanks ^^^^

 

you already have your choice of two different holes to put the sender in....why would you need two more?????

 

Thanks Jim, I already said I was going to use the one near the distributor. But thanks for all the suggestions guys

 

I'm using both holes in mine. One hole is for mechanical gauge. The other hole has a combination switch that has three terminals, one for the idiot light ground, and the other two for the electric choke circuit. It only turns on when the oil pressure is up (only works when the engine is running).
Don't remember the number, but it was an oe configuration available from GM.

.bjb

 

I have run across a few installs that were tight around the hole by the distributor due to a thick manifold or wrench clearance and Chevy used a longer brass fitting. It is about two inches long and extends to where you can screw the 45# angle fitting in. I'm pretty sure it was for a truck application but it was just what I needed.

 

or get a pipe nipple and coupler (1/8" NPT) at your local hardware store, to do the same thing

 

Kinda like this.....you have to zoom in to see it.