Oil sending unit

1972 455 with gauges. Where can I get the oil sending unit? I replaced it when I put in the longer gears for higher oil pressure. After taking out the cam & dist gear I put the pump back to factory. The gauge pegs to H on the gauge. I thought it was due to the higher oil pressure but, after changing the pump back to factory it still pegs to H. I may have gotten the wrong sender.

 

Before going any further test the oil pressure with an actual mechanical gauge to know where it stands then go from there.

 

I have an 80 psi unit and it nearly pegs when cold. It goes down to 60ish when hot cruising. You may want to see what the real pressure is with a mechanical gauge.
My opinion is that they are only good as a guide.

Parts place and inline tube have senders. I dont think they are correct in appearance. I just put one on from a late 70's firebird. They are an 80 psi unit. I think the 71 72 buicks used a 60 psi unit.

 

I will check it this weekend.

 

Unplug the sending unit, key on , gauge should go above H. Ground wire, gauge should go below L. If it does, faulty sending unit.

 

I just noticed in one of the pics of car that the oil gauge is pegged H with key off.

 

I put a test gauge on and at cold start up it was 60# and at 2500 rpm it was 80#. Engine temp at 190, oil pressure was 20# at 900 rpm and went up to 50#. I checked the sender and it is no good. Where can I get one and do you have a number for it? Thank you.

 

Here is the 80 psi unit I have from.Napa. doesn't look original, but neither does the ones from Parts place or Inline Tube

Napa: OP6638

Standard Auto Products: PS155

 

The one on now is a 4079351 don't know who made it or where it came from.

 

The OP6640 is a 60 psi unit. I think that's right for the 71-72. The one I listed is the 80 psi unit right for a '70. They are both available.

 

Original cars had a 45 degree elbow in the block. That made the sender point up slightly. This is important so the wire from the harness reaches. You need to make sure the male and female threads are compatible.

 

Brett, yours does not look pointed in right direction?

 

I have the elbow but just didn't use it. The wire was just long enough. Maybe now that I was reminded of it I'll put the elbow on on my engine change.