Part identification help needed!!

[Smokeater11]

Alright guys this dohicky is threaded into the oil pan and I have no idea what it is but it leaks so I need to see if it is actually a necessary part or can I just put a plug in the hole and "forget about it" (in my best mobster accent). Nothing is attached to it, you see it as it is. It's not the drain plug that is on the bottom just below this thingamajiger. Here's the pics....

 

[mcdobson]

Your engine came from someplace cold. That an oil heater. Plug it off.

 

[siderbox]

It's a low oil level float. It will have a single male post in the center.
That black part that is sticking out is what is left of the plug. You can pull it out if you want to see the connection.
They were notorious for sticking after an oil change.%)
No you don't need it.

 

[bax]

Wow, you finally got a better camera. You don't need that doohicky. Just "forget about it"
Motor in the frame! Whoo Hoo!!!

 

[Viperwolf1]

X2

It's a low oil level sender.