Is this oil level sensor good?

[LockedCollector]

Doing some maintenance on my 94 LC with 160k on the clock. Did not expect this much build up after looking at this post (Oil Level Gasket Replacement - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/oil-level-gasket-replacement.103623/) but then again about 15 years have past. How do I clean this and test it? I did have the oil level light come up sporadically in the winter time? Including some pics.

Thanks

 

[Kernal]

I would clean it up with a mild degreaser (CRC Professional Degreaser wallymarts) or CRC Electronics cleaner (any parts store). I would not use Carb, Brake, or Throttle Body cleaner; they are too harsh and can damage plastic and rubber components. Be gentle with the float; it's some sort of ?plastic that can get brittle with age.

That the light is coming on shows that it's working. IME it first comes on when the engine is about a 1 quart low and initially it will only come on for a few seconds when you first drive out in the morning then will go off. As you continue to drive over the following days/weeks and your oil level goes down further the light will come on and stay on longer. Eventually it will stay on all the time when you get around 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 quarts low IME.

There is a test procedure in the BE (Body Electrical Systems) of the FSM) but it requires the sensor to be in a hot oil bath at 140'F (by the book). Basically it should show continuity when the float is up and no continuity when the float is down.

Have you had to add some make up oil between changes?

 

[LockedCollector]

I would clean it up with a mild degreaser (CRC Professional Degreaser wallymarts) or CRC Electronics cleaner (any parts store). I would not use Carb, Brake, or Throttle Body cleaner; they are too harsh and can damage plastic and rubber components. Be gentle with the float; it's some sort of ?plastic that can get brittle with age.

That the light is coming on shows that it's working. IME it first comes on when the engine is about a 1 quart low and initially it will only come on for a few seconds when you first drive out in the morning then will go off. As you continue to drive over the following days/weeks and the level goes down further the light will come on and stay on longer. Eventually it will stay on all the time when you get around 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 quarts low IME.

There is a test procedure in the BE (Body Electrical Systems) of the FSM) but it requires the sensor to be in a hot oil bath at 140'F (by the book). Basically it should show continuity when the float is up and no continuity when the float is down.

Have you had to add some make up oil between changes?

Hey Kernal! Thanks for the response, exactly what I was looking for as I did not want to damage with harsh chemicals. Changed the “usual suspect” crusty seals (vc, dist, oil pump seal, front ms, and now this) as it had been leaking oil pretty significant ..so yeah had to add some oil in between changes. All seals were way past due so oil loss added up. I will just clean the sensor put it back on and see where it goes from there. I do have CRC professional grade as I had to de-gum the MAF as well.

I also attribute the light with the leaks I was having so, your’re right it was doing it’s job.

Thanks again

 

[Kernal]

Sounds like a plan.

 

[flintknapper]

Cleaned mine with Mineral Spirits and a stiff toothbrush. Be gentle around the float.

 

[WCBlueSky]

I cleaned mine with CRC contact cleaner, but I still get the light coming on at random times. They are really expensive to replace, so I just live with it.