C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

[Frank E.]

I've just replaced my oil pressure gauge and have noticed some curious actions of the gauge. I haven't cranked the motor so all of what I'm seeing is from the initial install. When I attached the oil line, I did use two wrenches to tighten down the line fitting making sure the big nut didn't move. When I looked at the gauge the needle was pointing mid point on the gauge. I move the big nut on the back of the gauge and was able to move the needle around. I also noticed that if I even tap the oil line or move it the needle moved. Is this normal or do I have a bad gauge or what?

Thanks in advance.....

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

More than likely you have twisted the capillary tube in the gauge and it will leak.

JR

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Thanks Joe.... Bummer..... I'm going to assume then that the gauge is toast. Any tip on installing the next one?

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Here's an update. I got the OP gauge out and after a close inspection, I've concluded that it's just junk. An AC Delco repop made in Taiwan. The big square nut on the back of the gauge had pulled out of the cross bar that holds the needle mechanism. I'm going to try and repair it using some epoxy or JB Weld and glue the nut to the crossbar. It will be tedious but I'll get it done. I don't know if there's another supplier but I'd think the the price just went up on original gauges. They're made like tanks.....

[Ralph E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Frank, don't screw around with that gauge. Just get a new one. Not worth the potential problems you could have if the line fails at the gauge and oil gets everywhere.
My $.02

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Oh I'm with you on that. I'll use the new one but had to try and fix the other. Right now a little JBW is curing on it. Well see how that goes....

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Frank, if your old guage was not functioning I have found that a drop of 3and1 oil on the mechanism and a slight bit of exercise will repair many of them.

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

Hi Dick, good to hear from you. The gauge was working fine. The problem was the oil pressure line/nut was frozen in the gauge and I had to cut the line to get the cluster out. I'm going to try and machine out the nut since I have nothing to lose at this point. But, all is well with the project. It's just about back together again and I did run it to check for leaks. None found. tomorrow is to tidy up under the dash, put the steering wheel back on, seat in and test that the speedometer works. Hopefully that's all for this year; but you know about old cars. They're always an adventure......

Best to you and reba.....

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Gauge

The finish product....