2003 Glastron/Volvo Penta 4.3GL Oil Pressure switch replacement

[meisner]

Engine: 2003 Volvo Penta 4.3GL
Boat: 2003 Glastron SX175

I found that my oil pressure switch is faulty and have a new OEM one in hand that I will be installing in a week or two. In the meantime, I do have an oil pressure gauge as well and the pressure is OK.

My questions before starting this are:
1. Is the oil level in the pan/block a concern when I remove the old switch? In other words, when I pull the switch, will any oil leak into the bilge?
2. I have read multiple people talk about sealing the switch threads with compound and/or teflon tape. I have never done this sort of thing on an electrical switch in a car. I don't want to compromise the electrical connection. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks!
Steve

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... The switch is in a pressure port, so no oil unless the motor is runnin',......
A few drops maybe, just have a rag handy,.....

'n use paste, not tape, so the switch can get a good solid ground, through it's threads,.....

 

[meisner]

Great! Thank you!

When you say paste, I have seen reference to a "copper based" paste. Does it matter the type of paste used? Any pipe thread paste or is copper really better?

 

[Tyger23]

Just to be clear - the pressure switch is on the port side of the motor, right above the oil filter. The pressure sender is on the top of the motor near the ignition coil and to the port side of the distributor.

In either case, not much oil will spill when trying to replace it provided the engine isn't running. When I moved things over while replacing my engine recently, I just used a dab of Permatex thread sealer on both he sender and the switch (threads only).

If you happen to be talking about the sender instead of the switch, be very careful removing the sender from the 45-degree brass adapter. Mine snapped, and it left me in a pickle trying to find replacements. Fortunately, I got a 45-degree from Advance auto, and then I got a a few parts out of the plumbing section of home depot to fix the job right.

 

[Mi_fiveo]

Just to be clear - the pressure switch is on the port side of the motor, right above the oil filter. The pressure sender is on the top of the motor near the ignition coil and to the port side of the distributor.

In either case, not much oil will spill when trying to replace it provided the engine isn't running. When I moved things over while replacing my engine recently, I just used a dab of Permatex thread sealer on both he sender and the switch (threads only).

If you happen to be talking about the sender instead of the switch, be very careful removing the sender from the 45-degree brass adapter. Mine snapped, and it left me in a pickle trying to find replacements. Fortunately, I got a 45-degree from Advance auto, and then I got a a few parts out of the plumbing section of home depot to fix the job right.

Mine snapped off in the same place. Luckily I was able to remove the rest of the fitting and order a new one for the new oil pressure sender.