mechanical oil pressure gauge.

[Steinerj56]

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]

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.
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[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

[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.

[Steinerj56]

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.

[Lee H]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[1972RedNeck]

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

[elf w/capital T]

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

[bmtsheets]

replied to wrong thread. sorry. too many tabs open

[GRX]

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.

[sKnNyPpY]

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

[Bowed]

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

[Auroch]

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.
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[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.

[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.

[DJ_Baar]

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

[DeadheadNM]

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

[Auroch]

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.
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[Auroch]

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]

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.

[DJ_Baar]

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.