mechanical oil pressure gauge. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Steinerj56 · 06-01-2013, 06:07 PM

What do I need to do to swap out a mechanical oil pressure gauge for either an electrical one or a different style. I am tire of the mechanical line leaking at the back of the engine block behind the distributor and am looking for another option.

1972SUPERSB · 06-01-2013, 06:51 PM

I think you can get a newer style oil pressure sender and run a wire from it to dash. Then find a electrical oil pressure gauge and just run power to it when the ignition is on.
Posted via Mobile Device

cdowns · 06-01-2013, 06:57 PM

what makes you think that your electrical sending unit will not leak just like what you have now??? both screw into the same hole

Steinerj56 · 06-02-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

what makes you think that your electrical sending unit will not leak just like what you have now??? both screw into the same hole

Because the one I have now leaks where the metal line goes into the fitting that screws into the block.

GRX · 06-16-2015, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steinerj56

Because the one I have now leaks where the metal line goes into the fitting that screws into the block.

Do you have the compression fitting type? I much prefer the flare type fitting. If not already, you should have a few loops in the hard line between block and firewall to absorb vibration & movement.

**DeadheadNM** · 06-01-2013, 09:42 PM

I had a local shop convert a mechanical oil pressure gauge to electric for my K20 build (see link in signature). There's no oil line into the cab just a wire and the OEM look of the gauge is preserved. This conversion can be done using a 60lb mechanical gauge replaced with electrical "innards" for 80 or 100 lb pressure.

Auroch · 06-06-2018, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

I had a local shop convert a mechanical oil pressure gauge to electric for my K20 build (see link in signature). There's no oil line into the cab just a wire and the OEM look of the gauge is preserved. This conversion can be done using a 60lb mechanical gauge replaced with electrical "innards" for 80 or 100 lb pressure.

I realize this is years old conversation, but do you still have this information available? I want to convert to electric oil gauge as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

**DeadheadNM** · 06-06-2018, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auroch

I realize this is years old conversation, but do you still have this information available? I want to convert to electric oil gauge as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

A local gauge restoration shop did my conversion. Here's their website: http://www.momamanufacturing.com

Lee H · 06-02-2013, 11:59 AM

I'd replace the line with a new one. Need to make sure you get the correct line kit, not a universal kit with compression ferules. The compression ferules will never seal to the stock fitting in the block.

JMac11 · 06-02-2013, 12:33 PM

I have always bought a braided fuel pressure guage hose kit, seals good, has the swivel fittings so it does twist, has fit everyone I swapped.

Tx Firefighter · 06-03-2013, 06:57 AM

Any hydraulic shop will sell you a new copper line with the proper end fittings for well under 10 bucks. That should hold you for another 40 years of leak free use.

Steinerj56 · 06-04-2013, 10:59 PM

I see autometer makes a braided steel line that comes with fittings. any idea if I need a 3,4 or 6 ft line?

Vova · 11-24-2013, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steinerj56

I see autometer makes a braided steel line that comes with fittings. any idea if I need a 3,4 or 6 ft line?

Do you have a part number? I need a oil pressure like kit for my gauge.

Bowed · 06-17-2015, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Any hydraulic shop will sell you a new copper line with the proper end fittings for well under 10 bucks. That should hold you for another 40 years of leak free use.

Right on

1972RedNeck · 11-24-2013, 07:19 PM

Napa gave me the ends for free. I reused the original line.

elf w/capital T · 11-24-2013, 07:57 PM

Never even thought about converting to an electric gauge... im subscribed

bmtsheets · 06-16-2015, 12:48 PM

replied to wrong thread. sorry. too many tabs open

sKnNyPpY · 06-16-2015, 04:09 PM

Just replaced my old plastic leaky line with this. Works perfectly...http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/b...584/10717221-P

DJ_Baar · 06-06-2018, 10:09 AM

I'm converting my ammeter (battery gauge) to voltmeter and was considering replacing mechanical oil pressure gauge to electrical too. See my thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=747394&page=3

http://www.classicinstruments.com/ can hook you up with the switch-over if that is what you want.

Zeroman · 06-06-2018, 03:31 PM

I converted my Oil Pressure gauge to electrical using a mid 80s gauge and sending unit.

I had to modify the instrument cluster backing plate and the gauge mounting bracket to make it fit.

I also do not have the original wiring harness, I have a Painless Wiring harness which already includes an electrical oil pressure circuit. The only thing I had to do was figure out which connection on the back of the gauge was hot, and which one was ground.

The sending unit is much larger than most so it required a 45 degree fitting so it would miss the HEI distributor.

I think it turned out pretty well.

Auroch · 06-06-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeroman

I converted my Oil Pressure gauge to electrical using a mid 80s gauge and sending unit.

I had to modify the instrument cluster backing plate and the gauge mounting bracket to make it fit.

I also do not have the original wiring harness, I have a Painless Wiring harness which already includes an electrical oil pressure circuit. The only thing I had to do was figure out which connection on the back of the gauge was hot, and which one was ground.

The sending unit is much larger than most so it required a 45 degree fitting so it would miss the HEI distributor.

I think it turned out pretty well.

I’m also working with painless wiring, i ripped all old wiring and completely replaced (replacing). Any links as to what you used? Looks nice man.
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Zeroman · 06-07-2018, 06:50 AM

Here's a link to the style gauge I used.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NOS...sAAOSwBSxbGENf

The sender is from the same year models. I think I bought it through rockauto.com. You just need to make sure if you use a 60 PSI gauge to get the 60 PSI sender. Same for the 80 PSI gauge, use a 80 PSI sender.

No, unfortunately I do not have any pics.

The install was pretty simple. I used a dremel tool to cut away some of the metal out of the back side of the cluster. I seem to remember I had to bend the edge to the gauge face back to make it fit. Also, I think the gauge is only held in place by the one screw on the face of the gauge. It was not a real "pretty" job from the backside of the cluster.

Auroch · 06-06-2018, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_Baar

I'm converting my ammeter (battery gauge) to voltmeter and was considering replacing mechanical oil pressure gauge to electrical too. See my thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=747394&page=3

http://www.classicinstruments.com/ can hook you up with the switch-over if that is what you want.

Man, yes. If by switch over you mean maintaining the original look of the cluster. I’m all ears.
Posted via Mobile Device

DJ_Baar · 06-06-2018, 03:42 PM

Looks GREAT! Got any pictures of the back?

I'm installing a complete American Auto Wire (AAW) Upgrade in my truck now, so NOW is the time to make this all good.

DJ

DJ_Baar · 06-07-2018, 07:05 AM

Check-out this link I got from Cliff at CLASSIC Instruments.
http://shop.classicinstruments.com/other-2-18-gauges-5
Have not tried yet and asked Cliff a couple questions about how to make these work.

06-01-2013, 06:07 PM	#1
Steinerj56 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Hudson wisconsin Posts: 149	mechanical oil pressure gauge. What do I need to do to swap out a mechanical oil pressure gauge for either an electrical one or a different style. I am tire of the mechanical line leaking at the back of the engine block behind the distributor and am looking for another option. __________________ Thanks, Joe 1972 C10 350 Auto

06-01-2013, 06:51 PM	#2
1972SUPERSB Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,026	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I think you can get a newer style oil pressure sender and run a wire from it to dash. Then find a electrical oil pressure gauge and just run power to it when the ignition is on. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Jeff 1972 Cheyenne Super SWB 350, Auto, Bucket Seats w/Console, Tach, Factory A/C, P/S ,P/B, Tilt 1998 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab 5.7, Pewter w/blue interior

06-01-2013, 06:57 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. what makes you think that your electrical sending unit will not leak just like what you have now??? both screw into the same hole __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-01-2013, 09:42 PM	#6
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,443	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I had a local shop convert a mechanical oil pressure gauge to electric for my K20 build (see link in signature). There's no oil line into the cab just a wire and the OEM look of the gauge is preserved. This conversion can be done using a 60lb mechanical gauge replaced with electrical "innards" for 80 or 100 lb pressure. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

06-02-2013, 11:59 AM	#9
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I'd replace the line with a new one. Need to make sure you get the correct line kit, not a universal kit with compression ferules. The compression ferules will never seal to the stock fitting in the block. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

06-02-2013, 12:33 PM	#10
JMac11 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tallahassee Fl Posts: 773	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I have always bought a braided fuel pressure guage hose kit, seals good, has the swivel fittings so it does twist, has fit everyone I swapped.

06-03-2013, 06:57 AM	#11
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Any hydraulic shop will sell you a new copper line with the proper end fittings for well under 10 bucks. That should hold you for another 40 years of leak free use.

06-04-2013, 10:59 PM	#12
Steinerj56 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Hudson wisconsin Posts: 149	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I see autometer makes a braided steel line that comes with fittings. any idea if I need a 3,4 or 6 ft line? __________________ Thanks, Joe 1972 C10 350 Auto

11-24-2013, 07:57 PM	#16
elf w/capital T Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 994	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Never even thought about converting to an electric gauge... im subscribed

06-16-2015, 12:48 PM	#17
bmtsheets Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: goldsboro, nc Posts: 23	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. replied to wrong thread. sorry. too many tabs open

06-16-2015, 04:09 PM	#18
sKnNyPpY Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 549	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Just replaced my old plastic leaky line with this. Works perfectly...http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/b...584/10717221-P __________________ Life is too long to go slow... 71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB 350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB 2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt 20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens

06-06-2018, 10:09 AM	#19
DJ_Baar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: New Orleans Posts: 362	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I'm converting my ammeter (battery gauge) to voltmeter and was considering replacing mechanical oil pressure gauge to electrical too. See my thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=747394&page=3 http://www.classicinstruments.com/ can hook you up with the switch-over if that is what you want.

06-06-2018, 03:31 PM	#20
Zeroman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 348	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. I converted my Oil Pressure gauge to electrical using a mid 80s gauge and sending unit. I had to modify the instrument cluster backing plate and the gauge mounting bracket to make it fit. I also do not have the original wiring harness, I have a Painless Wiring harness which already includes an electrical oil pressure circuit. The only thing I had to do was figure out which connection on the back of the gauge was hot, and which one was ground. The sending unit is much larger than most so it required a 45 degree fitting so it would miss the HEI distributor. I think it turned out pretty well. Attached Images

06-07-2018, 06:50 AM	#22
Zeroman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 348	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Here's a link to the style gauge I used..... https://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NOS...sAAOSwBSxbGENf The sender is from the same year models. I think I bought it through rockauto.com. You just need to make sure if you use a 60 PSI gauge to get the 60 PSI sender. Same for the 80 PSI gauge, use a 80 PSI sender. No, unfortunately I do not have any pics. The install was pretty simple. I used a dremel tool to cut away some of the metal out of the back side of the cluster. I seem to remember I had to bend the edge to the gauge face back to make it fit. Also, I think the gauge is only held in place by the one screw on the face of the gauge. It was not a real "pretty" job from the backside of the cluster.

06-06-2018, 03:42 PM	#24
DJ_Baar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: New Orleans Posts: 362	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Looks GREAT! Got any pictures of the back? I'm installing a complete American Auto Wire (AAW) Upgrade in my truck now, so NOW is the time to make this all good. DJ Last edited by DJ_Baar; 06-06-2018 at 03:48 PM. Reason: Forgot something.



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06-07-2018, 07:05 AM	#25
DJ_Baar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: New Orleans Posts: 362	Re: mechanical oil pressure gauge. Check-out this link I got from Cliff at CLASSIC Instruments. http://shop.classicinstruments.com/other-2-18-gauges-5 Have not tried yet and asked Cliff a couple questions about how to make these work.

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