<VV> Oil pressure switch

[FrankCB@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/7/04 2:43:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
hmlinc@sbcglobal.net writes:

> Oh!....   Do NOT use pliers to tighten the new one or it will be leaking in
> no time.

JR,
       Well, I agree that it's much safer to use the correct socket for this 
installation.  However, I remember back in 1970 when we bought Jim's Purple 
Pylon Eater (the "F Nader" license-plated car featured in the Lexington TV news 
report).  I was driving it back from Long Island to our home in NJ, when I saw 
the oil pressure light suddenly come on brightly.  I immediately pulled over, 
stopped the engine and found the plastic on the oil pressure switch had 
failed, spraying oil over the engine compartment.  Very fortunately, we were 
located where an auto parts store was nearby so I quickly picked up another oil 
pressure switch.  However, I used a water pump pliers to both remove the leaky 
switch and replace it with the new one.  As alluded to, you have to be careful in 
tightening the switch when not using the correct socket.  And make sure you 
put pressure only on the lower METAL part of the switch and not the upper 
plastic part.  Since this is a standard size pipe thread (1/8 in. NPT) the more 
threads you engage, the tighter the connection.  No need to overtighten it.  Just 
tighten it to a reasonable point, restart the engine and check for leaks.  
Only if there is a slight leakage then tighten it just a little bit more.
       Frank "too tight can be worse than too loose" Burkhard