I learned why a mechanical OP Gauge may not be the best..?

I started it up and saw 5-8psi.... Tappped gauge, looked under engine. Saw puddle of oil and a STREAM of oil coming out. Turned off engine! It only lost a little, but if that would have happend while I was driving and not watching the gauge......Not good.

So what is the way to go for an electrical OP pickup?
Should I just go to NAPA and they should have everything.?

Kent

 

It might have actually been at 5-8psi with the leak. I run 60 upon start up and 30-40 at idle warm. I would think 5-8 at idle at start up would be low, especially prior to warmup.

When I replace my oil pressure gauge I think I will stick with the mechanical one since that was what was stock.

High5

 

Mmm, mechanical stock on a '75? I don't think so. I don't think there's been an OEM mechanical gauge since the M38A1. Maybe the early F134 CJs have them...

The mechanical is favored because of the fast response time. I'd say an electric is ok, but I'd favor a good quality one with a fast response time.

The mechanical gauge will be fine if you install it right and protect the tube. When I used one, I put vacuum tube over the oil tube for the whole length. Search and you'll find some discussion of this.

 

So I guess I will go to Napa again today.....I'll get a new line and some thing to cover it. For now I cut the leak out and shortened the line so I can drive it.

Thanks again for the help,

Kent

 

Ok, let me rephrase that. It's what is on there now, I thought it was stock. Sorry.

High5

 

Yep, we had that happen on my dad's '73. Blew oil all over the place. We still went back with the good ol' mechanical one though, but you just have to keep in mind that they do wear out over time if you don't have some protection over them like Tim said.

 

Really sux when the oil sprays all over the interior.... Run both an mechanical and an idiot light if your worried about not catching the oil pressure loss. I think that is a pretty easy setup and you could have the idiot light on oil pressure, water temp and volts.

 

Nylon should be pretty good - I never had any trouble with mine. I'd worry about the plastic hardening and weakening after 10 or 20 years though.

Copper will work harden and then break, so it's no panacea. Steel is king, though it be hard to work with.

 

point,

an electrical sending unit can also rupture and leak... though maybe not to the extent of a line, but will still make a mess.

and agree, electrical would be OEM, and many were changed to mechanical.