Had an oil pressure sensor snap in a Honda B18C block tonight while driving around. Possibly due to a bump on Interstate 64. It is a pretty standard aftermarket (brass?) fitting for an aftermarket gauge, not OEM piece. Broke right at the outer edge of the block. A thin metal ring clung to the brass also (pic attached). I certainly don't want this to happen again, anyone got a theory as to why it would snap? Pics might have clues:

 

Weight of the sender, thats such a common mistake people make. You need to use a teflon etc hose and mount the sender on the frame of the car.

 

yup....never use a brass fitting to mount the sending unit to the engine. it will brake off just like that.

use a extractor to pull the bit out and hopefully the threads will be ok.

 

Ah, ok. Fitting I'm not worried about. Motor, I am.

 

I've also been told it could be an over-tightening issue, which might even have caused a tiny fracture. It only lasted 160miles on the car. Is there a way to tell the difference?

 

its the weight, trust us on this. Overtightening cracks the block.

 

Don't use brass oil fittings...
Next time run an alloy fitting to a 3an line to a mount location.

Google.com - easy out

 

I'll agree it's the weight. Get rid of the OEM sensor and put a direct reading gauge in the car.

Yes the brass fitting doesn't need to be to tight.


There's how I normally run the oil feed and the shut off valve about 1/3 open to cut down oil pressure. Notice the 1/8" copper line for the gauge.

 

Forgot to add, the fitting was placed/removed 2-3 times during the motor build. Originally placed by the builder of the car, then removed and replaced once or twice by the tuner. That would certainly cause stress.

I don't understand why a well-known Honda tuner would put this in the block without saying anything or suggesting an alternate. Must have thought it was safe?
I'll certainly have it relocated now.