Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Tim;

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. Mine was a July 9 build, so perhaps the change was made by then. It seems readily accessible as I can reach up there with my hand and feel the line and fitting - actually much easier than I thought it would be.

In a recent thread, one of our more knowledgible posters described a method to remove the gauge by backing off the cluster on threaded rods w/o having to even drop the E-brake bracket. We'll see, as soon as my back allows me to contort. Ironically, the leak never got worse than just a couple of drops on the E-brake handle - never hit the floor.

Stu Fox

[Dennis C.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Thanks Clem and Steve. I admit I'm a little concerned about getting a clean cut, and had been debating use of my Dremel or Zona saw. That tubing cutter looks like the ticket, if I can find one.

Sorry for the late reply, but I was tied up getting my first Epidural for my back. Hope that works quickly so I can crawl under my dash soon.

Stu Fox

The best tool would be the mini tube cutter. Any home center or hardware store will have them.

The handle has an adjusting knob that you snug up every one or two turns of the tubing cutter around the tubing. Just be carefull not to overtighten the knob.

Regards,

Dennis

Regards,

Dennis

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Dennis;

Good idea. I have a Home Depot near by and will check with them. Also, there is a Northern Tool not too far away as well. I should really have one of those anyway. Thanks.

Stu Fox

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Just an update on the oil pressure gauge leak; I picked up a mini tubing cutter today at a NAPA store. They list a "Bulk item" #BK7759000 in their online catalog @ $6.19, but also have what they call a "Professional 900 Series" service tool which is supposed to be of better quality for $7.79 net. I figure when you are messing with a line that small, it is best to have a good tool to cut it with accurately. I'm good to go as soon as my back is ready to take the plunge.

Thanks for all the good advice - this will sure beat replacing the gauge if it works.

Stu Fox

[Clem Z.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

looks like you want NAPA part# NTE783120

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

WOW Clem;

That makes three different mini cutters that NAPA offers! I think you are right that the NTE783120 looks like the best one, as you could almost say it could be a "Micro" cutter. The store piece I bought is a Taiwan build (surprise) Model #KD 2107. It "pulls" rather than "pushes" the cutting wheel, has about a 1" knob on it with a deburring point in the center. It's not the best, but I think it will do the job in the close confinement under the dash. Actually, the days these hands could handle such small tools and close in delicate work are long gone, to say nothing about seeing what I'm doing (got my first retinal floaters about a week ago).

Thanks again for your help. Hope you folks are enjoying your long weekend.

Stu Fox

[Tim S.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Stu,

My thoughts are with you today. I put the cluster back in one of my 65's today. I think the chiropractor might be in order soon

Tim

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

A thank you and an update on my oil pressure gauge project. Thanks to all who offered advice, including: Harry, Mike, John H., Clem, Steve, Bob, Tim B., and Tim S.

I replaced the fittings on both ends of the line, cutting each back about an inch, still leaving plenty to shape the tubing for clearances and vibration flex. The hardest part was removing the brass hex head plug I had in the block. Two of six flats on the hex are tight to the intake manifold, which rules out a socket, box head or tubing wrench. That leaves only several 7/16" open ends I have to work with, including an orphan 7/16" open end that I seem to carry with me all the time as my cable wrench.

The E-Brake bracket on my 63 does have the hole for the tubing to pass through, but it does not line up well with the connection on the gauge. As mentioned before, I removed the bolts to allow easy alignment in order to make a good connection - tube fully inserted. I also held a wrench on the square end of the gauge so as not to torque it.

This afternoon, after I tightened things up, I cranked up the engine and Waa Laa! I had an oil pressure reading. Wow! That 15w 40 Rotella sure puts out some pressure! When cold, it was reading just shy of 80 lbs! At full warm (160* thermostat), it was still pulling 40 lbs. This sure beat changing out the gauge (no leaks or drips).


Could anyone comment on those pressure readings? Do they seem right?

Stu Fox

[Dale S.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Your back must be doing as well as the gauge. Good deal Dale

[Timothy B.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Stu,

Glad to hear you fixed the oil leak. The pressure seems a little high but if the engine has never been apart why worry about it. In comparsion, my 300HP car is about 15lbs. at hot idle and 40-45 at 2000-up RPM.

I always thought mine is a little low but I put it together years ago and the only clearance in excess of the book specs is rod side clearance (.020) in one or two journals. If that makes for a internal leak then that's that but I think it's OK.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Dale; The back held up fine. I'm home alone this week so I probably shouldn't push my luck with no one but the dog to help me if I get in trouble. I'll go in on the 8th for injection #2.
Thanks for asking - will keep you posted.

Tim; I don't know if it matters, but back at about 36k on the odometer (1992), I dropped the pan to remove some dents and replace the drain fitting and a leaky rear seal. While down, I did a general P.M. on the engine; put in new oil pump, new timing chain and sprockets, seals and gaskets, rebuilt the water pump, etc. Much of the work did not qualify for "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I just thought as long as I had to drop the tie rod and pan, I might as well make the effort worth while and do some P.M. - silly waste of money I suppose, now that I think about it.

I think; however, the main cause of the psi is the 15w-40 oil vs. the cooler ambient temps here now (upper 50's lower 60's). Probably not significantly high, but I'm glad I got the 80 lb gauge.

Thanks for laughing with me and not at me on this.

Stu Fox

[Tim S.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Upper 50's to lower 60's...........................Hell, I 'm happy to have that is my shop! Glad all worked out!

Tim

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Tim;

I'm more used to what we had this past Saturday - upper 70's. Went to our local cruise-in at Old Town in Kissimmee. That night it was still in the upper 60's when I drove home on the 417 with the top down. I enjoyed the ride so much I just cruised along at 55 to 60 mph, instead of my usual 70 to 75 mph. What a difference in wind! I didn't even have to hold my NCRS cap on, Ha!

Stu Fox

[Michael H.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Wow! That 15w 40 Rotella sure puts out some pressure! When cold, it was reading just shy of 80 lbs! At full warm (160* thermostat), it was still pulling 40 lbs.

Could anyone comment on those pressure readings? Do they seem right?

Stu Fox

I have the same issue/complaint with the 15W40 Rotella. I don't like the increased pressure and I'm still looking for 10W30. Not easy to find here in FL.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Leaky Oil Pressure Gauge on 63

Michael;

I ran across some of the lighter weight Rotella a few weeks ago at a local auto parts store. I don't think you will find the chain stores carrying it, it has to be one of the stores that caters to auto/truck service clients. The one I went to was a little "hole in the wall" place that was the closest "Wix" dealer I could find. Also, I may be wrong, but I think I saw it at a Wal-Mart as well. But, the smaller auto parts stores are more likely to have it in cases and they don't blink an eye about giving you the discount price as so many of their clients are small business.

Stu fox