C2 Oil Gauge - Sticking?

[Guest]

I've had my gauge pack out for about two years during the restoration of my 67. After installing the gauge pack and hooking up the oil pressure line to the gauge, I primed the oil pump with a tool hooked to a drill. No oil pressure! After a few panic attacks, I installed an aftermarket oil gauge from Pep Boys and I had oil pressure. Whew! I hooked up the original gauge again and started the car. Still no pressure reading on the gauge. I tapped lightly on the back of the oil gauge and it jumped up to 40 lb. When I turned the car off, it stayed at 40lb. When I tapped lightly on the back of the gauge, the needle returned to zero. When I started the car again, no reading on the gauge. Repeated the tapping on the back and the needle jumped up to 40 lb but does not move with increased engine RPM. So the oil gauge seems to be sticking. Any recommendations for me to try? Do I need a new oil pressure gauge and has anyone ever replaced one without pulling the gauge pack?

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Oil Gauge - Sticking?

The gauges come out from the rear of the instrument cluster so you need to remove the cluster. You might be able to just remove the oil gauge but it'll be a lot easier with the cluster out.
I would carefully checkout the gauge before installing a new one. Possibly something was bent while out of the car. The gauge works on a "bourdon tube" expansion which rotates the needle accordingly
New replacements have a different needle which is obvious to judges when side by side with originals. If you determine that you need a new gauge swap the needles. If memory serves, the needles are pressed on.....

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Oil Gauge - Sticking?

I've had my gauge pack out for about two years during the restoration of my 67. After installing the gauge pack and hooking up the oil pressure line to the gauge, I primed the oil pump with a tool hooked to a drill. No oil pressure! After a few panic attacks, I installed an aftermarket oil gauge from Pep Boys and I had oil pressure. Whew! I hooked up the original gauge again and started the car. Still no pressure reading on the gauge. I tapped lightly on the back of the oil gauge and it jumped up to 40 lb. When I turned the car off, it stayed at 40lb. When I tapped lightly on the back of the gauge, the needle returned to zero. When I started the car again, no reading on the gauge. Repeated the tapping on the back and the needle jumped up to 40 lb but does not move with increased engine RPM. So the oil gauge seems to be sticking. Any recommendations for me to try? Do I need a new oil pressure gauge and has anyone ever replaced one without pulling the gauge pack?

I have repaired several of these guages by removing them, using a drop of penetrating oil on the needle pivot points. Use a little air pressure to operate the guage a few times. Once the old lube has disolved, I use a drop of something like a light gun oil or 3 & 1 oil to lube the pivots. Should last most of the rest of your life

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 Oil Gauge - Sticking?

Steve;

I had the same problem on my 1963. Had the cluster professionally restored. When put back in the car (motor rebuilt same time) zero oil pressure. Your basic heart failure! I think I got my aftermarket gauge from Napa!

You can get the oil pressure gauge out fairly easily (actually remove the pair of gauges with a 1/4" socket)... if you can manage the tight space under the dash. In my case, I was going to send it back but decided to use a little low pressure air before I went to that next step. The low pressure air did the trick... freed up the mechanism.. That same gauge is back in the car and working just fine...

Good luck!

Joel