Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne
Yep thats the normal failure mode for them 
Standard long socket + angle grinder = long socket with flats  |
So, it was a soda in the end. I got a replacement part in hand today and so, was able to begin the replacement. I broke the switch to facilitate removal with a short socket.
You can see (maybe) in the picture, that the plastic had cracked along the seam, and this, as you indicated, was the reason it was leaking I guess.
I had to buy a deep 24mm socket, and I did butcher it with a bench grinder in order to fashion some flats. This was not needed in the end because the socket that I purchased had a hole conveniently located, where i could insert a flat bladed electricians screwdriver, which gave me enough torque to fasten the new sensor to the oil filter housing.
I ran the car for twenty minutes to satisfy myself that the sensor was installed tightly enough (no oil leaking!).
I wish that I had gotten around to this job ages ago. My carport has lots of oil stains from my lack of effort.
Just went for a drive (risking the attention of the Corona police) and no drips on the driveway....YAY!