by John Quilter » Fri Aug 04, 2023 5:06 pm
After many years believing my oil pressure was low, even after a comprehensive engine overhaul 2 years ago, I read about this Quality Classic (UK located) replacement gauge kit that is mechanical not electrical. To test I rigged up a T fitting to compare the factory gauge with a known mechanical one. The readings were significantly different, the car gauge being on the low side and getting worse recently. Knowing the sending units are known to be problematic, not to mention expensive, I bought the Quality Classic mechanical gauge kit and fit it. Now the gauge finally reads correctly, about 60 PSI on cold start up, 50-55 PSI hot at 1500+ RPM and about 35 PSI at a 650 RPM hot idle. The kit comes with a nylon tube, an identical to stock gauge face and an installation fitting, Fitting the gauge is relatively easy and the original light socket fits the new gauge even though one is provided in the kit. The most difficult part of the installation is finding a suitable location for the hole in the engine bulkhead. I noted the location of the vacuum tube for the scuttle vent was visible in the engine bay and behind the folding center dash panel so I drilled a hole in the bulkhead at the same level as the vacuum tube and about 2 inches toward the heater box. The hole will have to be about 1/2 inch in diameter to get the fitting through. Using a section of vacuum tube split down the middle I was able to push the fitting and tube through the hole and through the hardura insulation on the inside behind the electrical wires. A grommet will be needed to plug the oversize hole. I was concerned that there would be enough nylon tube to permit the dash to fold down but this was not a problem and I just ensured there was some extra slack behind the dash. Photo shows my test device permitting both a mechanical gauge and factory electric gauge to operate simultaneously for testing. Finally, after many decades of ownership, I am now confident of the engine oil pressure.
- Attachments
-
- Quality Classic replacement gauge kit
- Oil gauge kit.jpg (141.84 KiB) Viewed 436 times
-
- Test device for two gauges
- Oil presure test device #1.JPG (340.26 KiB) Viewed 436 times
After many years believing my oil pressure was low, even after a comprehensive engine overhaul 2 years ago, I read about this Quality Classic (UK located) replacement gauge kit that is mechanical not electrical. To test I rigged up a T fitting to compare the factory gauge with a known mechanical one. The readings were significantly different, the car gauge being on the low side and getting worse recently. Knowing the sending units are known to be problematic, not to mention expensive, I bought the Quality Classic mechanical gauge kit and fit it. Now the gauge finally reads correctly, about 60 PSI on cold start up, 50-55 PSI hot at 1500+ RPM and about 35 PSI at a 650 RPM hot idle. The kit comes with a nylon tube, an identical to stock gauge face and an installation fitting, Fitting the gauge is relatively easy and the original light socket fits the new gauge even though one is provided in the kit. The most difficult part of the installation is finding a suitable location for the hole in the engine bulkhead. I noted the location of the vacuum tube for the scuttle vent was visible in the engine bay and behind the folding center dash panel so I drilled a hole in the bulkhead at the same level as the vacuum tube and about 2 inches toward the heater box. The hole will have to be about 1/2 inch in diameter to get the fitting through. Using a section of vacuum tube split down the middle I was able to push the fitting and tube through the hole and through the hardura insulation on the inside behind the electrical wires. A grommet will be needed to plug the oversize hole. I was concerned that there would be enough nylon tube to permit the dash to fold down but this was not a problem and I just ensured there was some extra slack behind the dash. Photo shows my test device permitting both a mechanical gauge and factory electric gauge to operate simultaneously for testing. Finally, after many decades of ownership, I am now confident of the engine oil pressure.