Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

[Ed H.]

In the process of resolving other issues, I discovered an oil leak, which, I think, was from the oil line to elbow connection. There is no sign of oil within the gauge assembly, but it is not at all obvious why there was a leak. The fitting was tight.

I'm going to replace the line with the original style line, and my questions:

• should I put some sealant on the fitting. If so, suggestions?
• Other suggestion/s

Thank you!

[Tom L.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

No sealant, just tighten it. Had the same problem in my '72. Killed my radio.

[Ed H.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

OK, I guess that's settled, LOL. Thank you, Tom.

But, how do I know it's the oil line to the elbow, and not the elbow to the gauge fitting???

[Terry M.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

OK, I guess that's settled, LOL. Thank you, Tom.

But, how do I know it's the oil line to the elbow, and not the elbow to the gauge fitting???

The oil line is plastic. The fitting is brass. Which do you think would fail first?

I had the same issue shortly after I removed the instrument bezel, so I knew what caused my leak.

[Ed H.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

May well be the correct answer; my post noted 'replace the line with the original style line' - the current line, for reasons I do not know, is copper... Given the amount of bogus replacement parts on the market (don't get me going), perhaps there was a well founded fear of a poorly made OE type of line.

[Mark E.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

I've always been nervous about the plastic oil pressure gauge line going into the interior.

Are you replacing the copper line with OE style plastic for originality reasons? Or is the copper line just not sealing well at its connections?

I'm asking because I'm considering replacing the plastic line currently installed, and I like the idea of a copper line.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

The plastic line has worked well in hundreds of thousands of Corvettes, at least until someone comes through and messes with the gauge cluster. I don't worry about them at all.

There are no copper oil pressure lines because copper will work harden and break. NOW you have a problem.
You may find copper-plated steel oil lines, but don't use copper.

Just use plastic. The key is keeping the end cut clean and square.

[Ed H.]

Re: Time for another of my dumb questions. This time, oil-pressure gauge

Thank you all for your thoughts. For the reasons Patrick explained, I'd already chosen to go with the OE plastic line. Nothing to do with originality, but with the number of bum parts in this project I admit to being in a bit of wonder as to its quality.