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Underhood oil gauge?

11K views 19 replies 11 participants last post by  Tech @ BG 
#1 ·
Does anyone make a small under hood oil pressure gauge that can be put in-line with the oil sender unit? I've seen small fuel pressure gauges, but I was thinking I could use an oil one to check out how close my dash gauge is. Plus it would be nice to be able to see what your pressure is while the engine is running, and Im under the hood.


Regards
Mark:thumbup:
 
#2 ·
Ya go to walmart and buy an oil pressure gauge for $10 to $15 then take a trip to any hardware store and buy a T-adapter so you can bridge into the existing oil line and there you have it.
 
#4 ·
Dude the troll is playing with you. Yes they make a small oil pressure gage. I got mine from a motor cycle shop and installed it in the front of the block just back of the water pump mount, passenger side front, there is a hole with a small plug in it, just remove the plug and screw in the oil pressure gage. Put teflon tape on the threads and a finish tightening it up with a small wrench. If you take the plug out first you can take it with you to match up the thread size.


Todd


Rat Rods Rule!
 
#6 ·
There are many companies that make small 1-1/2" test gauges. The problem you're going to run into is these are "TEST" gauges, they are not designed to be left in place. They have very small springs, and parts inside which do not hold up well with vibration. Most speed shops will keep 100PSI test gauges in stock.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Tech @ BG said:
There are many companies that make small 1-1/2" test gauges. The problem you're going to run into is these are "TEST" gauges, they are not designed to be left in place. They have very small springs, and parts inside which do not hold up well with vibration. Most speed shops will keep 100PSI test gauges in stock.
Like I said go to walmart buy their oil gauge and install it any where under the hood. Now go back to sleep
 
#8 ·
If you want to leave it in place install a snubber before the gauge, it keeps the mechanism safe from pump pulsation and adds a safety mechanism in case the gauge breaks.

Of course if it snaps off at the snubber pipe fitting, your on your own.:(
 
#9 ·
Like Todd said, they've been running weatherproof oil pressure gauges on motorcycles for years. They are designed to be driven through any weather totally exposed. These are not 'test gauges'. Find out what brand Todd uses or check any bike shop that deals with Harley performance parts. You could check out a company like www.jpcycles.com to see what they offer.


 
#10 ·
Sorry,no name, just OIL. 100PSI gage They carry lower pressure gages, this one was a spair for my drag bike, never used till I found that spot on the sbc to install this one. Reads the same as the one on my dash off the back of the block.

Todd


Rat Rods Rule!
 
#15 ·
Liquid Filled Gauges

One thing to keep in mind if you go to a liquid filled gauge. They are filled with glycerin which is heat sensitive. The hotter the gauge gets under the hood the thinner the glycerin gets, giving you a "false" low pressure reading. Make sure when you're checking the gauge in the engine compartment you do it with the engine compartment cold.
 
#19 ·
The liquid in the gauge should not have an effect on the reading. That liquid is there to keep the neddle steady, no bouncing or vibrating etc... I have a few liquid filled gauges on my car and I haven't noticed any difference due to tempature.
 
#20 ·
Not all liquids expand as they get hotter. Glycerin gets thinner which reduces the pressure on the internal mechanism of the gauge giving a false low reading. We see this on a regular basis with people using them under the hood on fuel pressure systems.
 
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