Mechanical oil pressure gauge install

Replacing my electric OP gauge with a Mech. Somewhere in my reading I seem to remember something about not being able to use the spot where the current electric sender is to install the new gauge. True? Or has my memory failed again.

If it turns out I should use another place, where? Block? Head?

 

which engine?

 

Sorry, 258

 

Not sure where the electrical gauge sender was originally mounted, but for the mechanical it is on the left side of the block (facing engine) just down and to the left of the distributor. There is a small plug there that once removed, allows you to screw in the fitting for the tube to the gauge.

You should be able to pickup the install kit (if not included with your gauge) for about ten bucks at any FLAPS. They usually come with an assortment of various fittings. Use teflon tape on the threads and once finger tight turn maybe another 3/4 to full turn to tighten. Make sure to keep the original plug with the jeep in a safe spot in case you develop a leak somewhere on the road. Put the plug back in, check your oil level and you're good to go.

About 50/50 on the merits of either plastic or copper tubing, but all agree...route line carefully to avoid abrasion and you might consider a rubber grommet where it passes through the firewall. Good luck........easy six-pack project !!

 

Thanks Springerfever. I have just returned from obtaining the proper installation liquids, so I'm all set.

 

Hi

Question Why can't you use the same spot as the electical guage used to be? Does that have something to do with why my mechanical guage slowly drops down to less than 15 psi, but when pulled off I was covered in oil at much more than 15psi should have covered me in?

 

You can use the same location that the electric sender screwed into. I don't know of any reason not to, nor have I heard of any warnings against using that spot. It's nothing more than a tapped hole in the block connecting to the oil gallery.

 

Thanks Tim. I sure don't want to put out wrong info, that is why I asked. I read so much stuff, I'm finding that with age, the ability to remember accurately is slippin' a little sometimes.

The high fun level when younger may have something to do with it.