What is this engine component, and why is oil coming out of it?

Title says it all.

Oil pressure sending unit for gauge; it has failed and needs to be replaced, The black rubber cover hides the actual part.

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Check the archives before trying to remove the sending unit. The (aluminum?) piece that the sending unit is attached to can be broken if care is not used, really ruining your day.

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Jay,
Attached is a picture of the rear of a 5.3L V12 engine removed from an XJ-S showing the low oil pressure light switch circled in red and a non-OEM oil pressure sender circled in blue without a rubber cover.

You will note the thin oil supply pipes leading to these sensors and the relatively fragile aluminum pedestal that sits at the top rear of the engine. As Dave already mentioned, care must be taken when removing components in this area in order to prevent damage. Your leak is probably coming from the oil pressure sender, but there are other possibilities.

Paul

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Thank you gentlemen. Much appreciated.

That’s a great picture and explanation Paul. Person should start printing these off and adding to my Kirby binder.

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