5.3 ls3 oil sending unit sensor stripped

[Brandon Lesmeister]

I recently tried to replace my old oil sensor located behind my intake on my 5.3 ls3 gmc sierra and I have stripped the threads off of the new sensor. Tried to put the old one back in but I believe the threads are stripped how can I fix the threads? Should I use a 16mm 1.5 tap?

[Jsdirt]

I'm betting the sensor threads are stuck in the block hole still. You'll need to get them ALL out. You might have to unbolt the transfer case or transmission mount, and jack the trans up to force the engine up and away from the firewall for a LITTLE more room. I don't know what year truck you've got here, but if it's an '07-up, get a good nights rest and a big breakfast - you're gonna need it. You'll also have to watch harnesses, wires, fuel and A/C lines to make sure you don't over-tension any when moving the engine.

 

You'll also have to make sure not one piece of any of it falls into the hole. If in fact the block hole is stripped and you need to use a tap (I have no clue what thread pitch that is - you;ll have to match that up with the new sensor), load that tap up with grease to catch all the metal. It's gonna be a fun one. I don't envy you! Good luck.

[diyer2]

 

A thread gauge will be required.