oil sensor boot is rotting... dealer wants $$

[peiserg]

I climbed under my 2000 nsx to assess an oil leak, and noticed the boot that covers either a switch or sensor that is attached to my oil filter is cracked all the way to its base, and won't stay put anymore. I called the dealer.. they want to sell me an ENTIRE engine harness.... $1065!

Anyone have any suggestions, or have an engine harness that they don't need. I'd take just the last 8-10 inches of that part of it so i can solder in the new one.

 

[drew]

I "sculpted" an oversize blob of RTV over the old boot/cover....works ok.

 

[Briank]

It's just there to keep the connection from corroding from road salt, most NSX never see salt unless a Margarita get spilled on them.

 

[peiserg]

appreciate the input. I think the RTV glue solution may work. Only issue I have is.. how do i make sure the connection is making full contact, since the boot really isn't, and won't be, snug anymore? I noticed on inspection inside the boot, the connector just sort of "sits" there, it isn't really held in place.

If i do an engine scan, will it pop up a "disconnected sensor" or switch, which should then go away assuming i did a decent job of rtv'ing?

 

[angus]

It should be screwed on with a 8mm bolt (also has a phillips head)

 

[Briank]

That sensor is a presure switch that turns on the oil light when the oil presure is very very low. It is not conected to the ECU.

 

[ffffanman]

This is when you now go into your dealer and slap him on the side of the head with your owners manual or phone book.
I am so glad for Prime and the great guys on it.
Trev

 

[peiserg]

It should be screwed on with a 8mm bolt (also has a phillips head)

this is definitely not screwed on. It is held on via the boot, shich looks similar to the style boot that holds distributer wires in place on the dist. cap. perhaps the sensor/switch is screwed on. This rubber boot is a cap of sorts.

 

[OLDMNSX]

If oil is leaking from around the dust boot then you need to replace the oil pressure switch. As the guys before have said the boot is just a dust/contamination seal it's not an oil seal. If the boot is cracked some Dow Corning 111 Silicone Grease can be used to fill the void and insulate the connection from contamination.

If you use Silicone RTV (the stuff that sets up stiff) and need to disconnect the wire from the sensor you have to carefully cut the stuff off. The oil pressure switch isn't very expensive and isn't hard to change.

If you want to repair the boot, clean it well (inside and out) with spray brake parts cleaner and then glue it with "SHOE GOO" be sure to let it set overnight and then push it back on. Don't smear it on too large an area since it sets up hard.
Brad

 

[ffffanman]

Brad, I first read it as an oil leak at that location as well, but it seems it was a leak somewhere else he was looking at, then noticed this rubber cap was cracked, so the two are not connected.
Trev

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

The pressure switch is threaded into a 1/8 BPT tappered threaded hole. If it is leaking, the switch is either loose or the threads are damaged. You may wish to remove it, inspect, clean it, apply Hondabond to the threads, and reinstall.

Regarding the boot, you should try to repair it as best as possible, but it really only shields the ground connection to the switch. A little removable silicone sealant around the screw head would be fine.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[ffffanman]

Nice Chris!!!
Now that is exact info, just the kind of stuff we like.
Trev

 

[OLDMNSX]

Brad, I first read it as an oil leak at that location as well, but it seems it was a leak somewhere else he was looking at, then noticed this rubber cap was cracked, so the two are not connected.
Trev

Trev,
Thanks for straightening me out here! I knew you were good for something. I guess I needed to RTFQ, and then read BTL.
Brad