3 replies to this topic

[jime17]

Hi, I imagine the oil fed gauges would be more accurate not to mention instant, but can anyone vouch for the accuracy and response time of the wired sender unit type?

Just weighing up my options if you will....

Jim

[KernowCooper]

They are dependent on the quality of the sender and the gauge, If i had a choice then its the oil pressure gauge fed from the oil gallery I'd fit

[dklawson]

You have already voiced the primary differences between mechanical vs electric oil pressure gauges.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

 

Electric:

Easy to install, easy to disconnect for engine maintenance/removal.

 

Mechanical:

Generally considered a bit more accurate (particularly if the needle sweeps through 270 degrees), generally less expensive.

 

If you opt for a Smiths electric oil pressure gauge you will pay a lot for it, they typically don't come with a sending unit (more to buy), and they need a connection to a voltage stabilizer to operate.  Aftermarket brands typically cost less, come with a sending unit, and don't need a connection to a voltage stabilizer.  

 

If you install a mechanical gauge you have to buy an oil line kit (more money) and some kits require more effort to install.  Nylon line kits can burst and dump oil which is never a good thing... it can be particularly bad inside the car.

 

Personally, I prefer a mechanical gauge with 270 degrees sweep installed with a copper line kit or a flex/braided hose.  They are quick, offer good resolution (easy to read) and they are not expensive.

[vx220]

Had a nylon line split under the bonnet spraying a tiny jet of oil up onto the underside of the bonnet, then dripping onto my hot exhaust manifold. Once I spotted the resulting smokescreen, I stopped, popped the bonnet and managed to trim an inch or so of the split end of the pipe and reattach it.

Then realised the oil that had sprayed up under the bonnet had then dripped into my hair while I had been fixing the pipe...

...and I was supposed to be out on a hot date that night!

Pre-mobile phones, I didn't have a way of letting her know how late I was going to be! God was she ####ed off!!!