Hell, that long ago a lot of engines didn't have valve covers as we know them today. Lots of flatheads. LOL

 

Hey, you were the one that said 57 years, I gave you 4 ,

 

Can anyone tell me how to change the sending unit? How much they are?

 

Sending unit is behind the intake, just to the passenger side of the distributor. Need a deep well socket for it, but, I don't recall the size. (slightly larger than an inch.) Disconnect the electrical connector, unscrew the old one, screw in the new one, hook up the electrical connector, all done.

 

1 1/16" I believe it is. That's if the special socket is being used. I think it's slightly larger if a standard socket is being used. Don't quote me on that though, lol. Costs $8 at Autozone.

I'd recommend a stubby ratchet as well. Tight space that's hard to see into.

If that doesn't take care of the problem, the next step is the oil pump. Which is on my agenda for the weekend.

 

how many miles do you have on it ? screen on oil pick up could be blocked

 

Now I have a oil pressure question, I have a 1997 1500 4x4 5.9 with 160,000 miles, I towed a boat today about 50 miles on interstate and when I got off the oil light came on and pressure dropped to Zero. I shut it off checked oil and it was good. If the truck was in neutral light was off and pressure fine. As I drove on surface streets and I guess the oil cooled some and everything went back to normal, I checked oil when I got home and all is good. I run Mobil 1 10w30 just did my oil change 300 miles ago. I'm thinking oil got hot and thinned out hence the sending unit couldn't read it right. I drove it the rest of the day with no trailer and ran normal. Any ideas would be welcomed.

 

Bad sending unit..... I would put a mechanical gauge on it, and see what is REALLY going on. The electric gauges aren't the most accurate beasts....