HOW-TO convert your oil pressure gauge by Michael Maroschak
1. Remove sender unit's
wire.
2. Remove oil pressure sender unit with a 1 1/16" socket
or the special oil pressure sender socket (which actually works
better if you have one).
3. You might have to move some of the accessory belts out of
your way.
4. Put Teflon tape on the new sender unit's threads.
5. You may have to use a 7/8" open ended wrench to cock
the threaded pipe (that comes out of engine block) slightly one
way or the other.
6. Thread in the new sender as tightly as you can with your
bare hands (as you would your oil filter). It's easier if you
make sure the sender and your hands are dry and grease free.
7. Re-connect sender unit's wire.
7b. A small number of Thunderbirds have the 20 ohm
resistor located on the oil sender wire approximately 5 inches
form the sender itself. If this is the case, bypass or
remove this resistor and skip steps 8 through 14 (inclusive).
8. Remove trim around instrument cluster. There are 2 screw at
the top, then ease it on out.
9. Remove screws around instrument cluster. Ease it out
several inches, tilt the bottom out, and gently pull the 2
connectors off.
10. Be careful not to scratch the instrument cluster's bezel.
11. Flip it up side down and solder a piece of 18 gauge (insulated)
wire in parallel to the 20 ohm resistor behind the oil pressure
gauge. There is no need to remove the
resistor. Be careful not to melt the plastic.
12. This would be a good time to remove the bezel and clean it.
13. Also a good time to replace any burnt out bulbs.
14. Replace instrument cluster.
15. Start 'er up & check it out!
16. Remember to check for leaks.
17. When cold: between M and top line When hot at speed: M
When hot in gear idle: between N and O When hot in park: O
18. The oil sender part numbers are as follows: Standard Motor
Products: PS-60 Echlin: OP6091 Motorcraft: SW-1547-B, E4ZZ-9278-A