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Leaking from oil pressure sensor?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by unigeezer, May 31, 2023.

  1. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    Lately I've noticed oil drops on my driveway and I looked underneath and it looks like it's all concentrated around the oil pressure sensor. Could this be the reason for the oil leak? Here are a couple of pictures. IMG_20230531_132401.jpg IMG_20230531_132537.jpg
     

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    #1 unigeezer, May 31, 2023
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    those are known to spring leaks like that, and your pictures appear to support it.
     
    #2 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, May 31, 2023
  3. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    Does it take a specific type of socket to remove the sensor?
     
    #3 unigeezer, May 31, 2023
  4. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    I found this on YouTube, so hopefully this helps:
     
    #4 Ryan Will, May 31, 2023
  5. DPri

    DPri Junior Member

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    Had similar problem. Mine was leaking from above chain tensioner down to oil pressure sensor.
     
    #5 DPri, Jun 1, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2023
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    The housing of the sender uses a gasket that surrounds the plastic of the expectrical components of the sender. The gasket appears to have developed a leak. The metal body of the sender is made of thin metal and can be easily deformed if not installed with a special oil sender socket.
     
    #6 Georgina Rudkus, Jun 1, 2023
  7. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    I'm wondering if a socket with a 3/8" drive would be easier to get into the confined space versus a half inch drive? I see 24mm deep sockets are typically used to remove the oil pressure switch but most come with a 1/2" drive and it's just that larger ratchet will be harder to maneuver in that limited space.
     
    #7 unigeezer, Jun 1, 2023
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You could add a 1/2"-to-3/8" adapter, but that will add length. Maybe that's good anyway; you want to use an extension? Repair Manual info in attached:
     

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    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 1, 2023
  9. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    I found this one, which should be perfect for the job. And at just $8, it's a good deal too!

    Screenshot_20230601-112155_Samsung Internet.jpg
     
    #9 unigeezer, Jun 1, 2023
  10. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    While waiting for Amazon to deliver the 24 mm deep socket tomorrow, after removing the passenger side front wheel and that little panel I was able to access the oil pressure switch very easily. I was able to remove it without any problem using a crescent wrench. So since I can't use a torque wrench until tomorrow to double check the tightness, should the threads disappear or should some still be showing after installing the new switch?

    **Also, in the linked pdf it states that after installing a new pressure sensor switch you should not start the car for at least an hour. There was no reason indicated so I'm wondering why you should wait an hour before starting your car?
     
    #10 unigeezer, Jun 1, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2023
  11. taxidriver50005

    taxidriver50005 Active Member

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    I just used a spanner.. Replaced and fired it up no problems... Never heard of not starting for an hour
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #11 taxidriver50005, Jun 4, 2023
  12. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The earlier step in the instructions is to put Three Bond 1344 on the new sensor threads. The hour after installation is for the 1344 to set before putting oil pressure on it.
     
    #12 ChapmanF, Jun 4, 2023
  13. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    Ok, that makes sense, but the replacement sensor I bought from autozone already comes with that white thread locker tape on it. Not sure but it looks like teflon. Seems to be doing the job as no leaks detected after 3 days.
     
    #13 unigeezer, Jun 5, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2023
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