les

[Les Brandin]

I would like to retro fit a 1990 corvette low oil level sensor into m 1969 corvette. the oil sensor is available through the chevy dealer and mid america. the problem is the wiring. Even though the sensor activates a light in the dash of the 1990, i have been told by chevrolet that the wiring from the sensor goes through the ECM on the 1990 corvette. The question is: does the sensor provide an electrical signal (to an idiot lite) or an electronic signal to the ecm which in turn activates the light on the dash? any information on the wiring would be appreciated.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I would like to retro fit a 1990 corvette low oil level sensor into m 1969 corvette. (snip)

My research into Service Manuals from 1990, 91 and 92 seems to indicate that the low oil level warning system wasn't on Corvette until 1991. Also, that system is in the "Central Control Module" (CCM) not the ECM. It processes information from the oil level sensor in the oil pan, along with information from other sensors and, when criteria in its programming is met, turns on the low oil level light on the DIC.

It is not practical to retrofit a 69 with the low oil level warning system used in a C4.

You're stuck with just a good, old-fashioned dip-stick.

 

[Les Brandin]

Hib: thanks for the information. I will now source the aircraft industry. Aircraft Extras make a low oil level sensor for Lycoming aircraft engiones the replaces the oil drain plug and it activates an led when the oil level drops. If i can some how calibrate it might work. your thoughts?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I can comment from the aviation side of things, I recently retired after 30+ years in the gas turbine biz.

Several of the engines we manufactured came with an oil level sensor, particularly on multi engine long range intercontinental business jets. None of the sensors were designed to function while the engine was in operation and would in fact give an erroneous indication while the engine was operating. This was primarily due to the oil 'being elsewhere' in the engine but also due to normal frothing and foaming in the oil tank. Moderate manoeuvring or turbulence would also have an affect. The indication was therefore inhibited and blank as soon as the start sequence was initiated.

Requirements for your car might be similar. Since there is no off-the-shelf device available to suit an SBC, (AFAIK), you would have to develop one yourself. Not cheap.

Since oil consumption of a healthy SBC is very small and any signs of trouble are usually apparent at an early stage, I question the need for such a gadget given the trouble. :cool

 

[Rex S]

While some high end cars, like Benz, use a sensor for oil level checks they do not work while the engine is running. While it would be a neat toy to have one that works while the engine is running, I don't see any benifit.

 

[Les Brandin]

Mike: thanks for the info. the oil level sensor that i have in mind is show as used in a l Lycoming O-360-A1A engine. the canton oil pan tech department indicates that because of the bafeling in the oil pan i should get a low oil level warning. i plan to measure the sensor in the pan to determine when it will activate the led.

 

[Les Brandin]

Rex: will it work while the engine is not running?