Replace oil sending switch?

Richard · Jul 31, 2009

ok, I'll fess up to my boneheaded move.

We have an International 444 (though that doesn't matter for this conversation)

I was carrying a large branch with my backhoe the other day (JCB) and the branch was longer than expected. It brushed agasint the tractor and snapped the oil filter (old canister type, not spin on) holder.

I took that as a good omen since I'd been wanting to update this tractor to a spin on filter for years. Replacement cost is $50 either way so I did it.

Just now installed the new filter holder... noticed something else broken. Turns out it's the sending switch with a 90 degree bend in it, and a slit along its length.

I didn't notice the slit until I fired the tractor up and had oil blowing everywhere under pressure

I don't know/care how much a sending switch is going to cost me BUT... this tractor is over 30 years old, NONE of the dash items work at all except for the tach which works poorly (or the tractor won't get up to full RPM's)

This has something like a 1/4" threaded tip on it and I'm thinking, why even bother replacing it when I can just buy a plug at NAPA or somewhere and close the hole off?

I personally don't see any issues with doing that but since I'm not any kind of mechanic, figured I'd ask the experts.

Do I:

a) ante up & replace sending unit with new one, pay for part, postage and not have it ever tell me anything useful

b) chunk it in the trash and plug the hole

I vote B

joecdeere · Jul 31, 2009

Why not take the fitting to your local tractor supply house and get a gauge to screw into the hole,that will stop the leak and allow you to keep your eye on engine status?

Richard · Jul 31, 2009

I would if ANY of the engine information lights/gauges on the dash. I don't want to spend anything on something that's not going to work anyway after I 'fix' it.

Most of the electrical items on this tractor don't work

Richard · Jul 31, 2009

oh... I see I forgot to mention something... walking into house, my hands were covered in oil. I washed them. When I was done washing them, I could NOT find the part anywhere. It seems to have grown legs and wandered off.

I was going to take it to store and match it for a plug and now I don't have it.

Further update, I just hung up with a dealer in Nashville and they told me this was a 1/8" pipe thread which is what I was looking for (presuming it's accurate!)

firemanpat2910 · Jul 31, 2009

you could replace it with a mechanical gauge instead of a plug. that way you would see your oil pressure drop the next time you break the fiter off

a plug wouldnt hurt anything but a mechanical gauge is pretty cheap and would be better.

kenstrac · Jul 31, 2009

Richard said:
I would if ANY of the engine information lights/gauges on the dash. I don't want to spend anything on something that's not going to work anyway after I 'fix' it.

Most of the electrical items on this tractor don't work

If there is something you need to have working on a tractor is a oil pressure gauge and temp gauge and those are available at car part stores and are relatively inexpensive you can buy them with the fittings and tubing included.
You would spend more on a blown engine.

franklinute · Jul 31, 2009

I totally agree with the two posts above. Go to a good parts store and buy a guage set. The cost should be about $60 and with a little time you could install these and keep tabs on your engine.