4 replies to this topic

[jime17]

Hi. I've just bought a mechanical oil pressure gauge. Can anyone advise on the thread size of the union? Looks like quarter inch but not sure if these also come in metric.

Also any ideas on how to fit to dash? I've got my own ideas but would like to hear others. I've got the 3 clock binnacle behind steering wheel.

Finally. So I need to drill bulkhead or would there be any holes blanked off I could use?

Ps it's an auto. Don't know if that leaves any pre drilled holes un-used.

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[lrostoke]

If this link works, it gives the t piece you need to screw into the block...allows use of the gauge and the original warning light.

Plus check the recommended product bit, shows an adaptor you need and 2 choices of pipe, plastic or braided

http://minispares.co...e/Block/TP.aspx

ooohhh minispares seem to be out of stock of the adaptor...seen them on ebay though

Edited by lrostoke, 14 February 2013 - 09:02 PM.

[jime17]

Thanks. are all gauges of same union thread? I'm wondering if the pipe fitting on the ready made pipes will fit?

[KernowCooper]

The kits should fit ok I use a braded one on mine as its harder wearing, but the nylon ones are ok as long as you run grommets through the bulkhead and stop the pipe chaffing any where

[dklawson]

Pipe sizes are odd. They official specify the inside diameter of the pipe but in the smaller sizes there is NO obvious correlation For example, the hole through most 1/8" pipe fittings will be at least 1/4" and the threads on the outside will be a tiny bit over 10mm (0.400"). The gauge you have probably has a 1/8" pipe thread connection.

The Smiths gauges use a straight thread with a sealing washer. Most aftermarket gauges use 1/8" tapered pipe threads. Most auto parts stores should have oil gauge installation kits like KernowCooper mentioned. There are inexpensive ones that will have nylon tubing and for a bit more you should find kits with 1/8" copper tubing. There are also very nice braided hose kits available but they cost quite a bit more. (But you get what you pay for!) All the kits typically come with a male 1/8" pipe fitting that will screw in the block and a female fitting that will screw onto the gauge. In both cases, if you wrap the male threads with Teflon (PTFE) tape, it will seal. This is also true when using an aftermarket gauge kit with Smiths oil pressure gauges.

You can use hardware store 1/8" pipe fittings to make the T piece that Steve mentioned. However, an auto parts supplier may have nicer looking T's made just for this purpose. The T will let you use both your existing warning light and the gauge.

If you buy the generic copper tubing kit it is important that when you run the tubing from the block to the firewall you form a loop or two of copper tubing as a "spring element" to absorb engine vibration. The coils need to be about 50mm in diameter and can be made by wrapping the tubing around a small can or similar. The coils you form extend the fatigue life of the copper tubing.