Any Tips Or Tricks

SJK2 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 08:48 AM

I want to change out my

plastic oil pressure line that runs from block to under dash & gauge. I'm going to use a stainless setup. Is there any tips or shortcuts to doing this.?? Getting behind the dash

is a nightmare!!!

TIA,

Buzzmobile · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 09:24 AM

just a note....I think the smith's stuff has ENGLISH pipe threads...which is different than anything in the US....so nothing you get here is gonna work I don't think. I had to rethread some stuff one time to make a conversion adapter on this same line.

Buzz

SJK2 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 10:21 AM

Thanks Buzz...

Velox · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 10:36 AM

Hi Steve,
Another option is to go with the Smiths electric gauge. I had a problem once with a plastic oil line behind a dash (not on my SPF) and just prefer not to use those. I also use an oil pressure switch installed on my remote filter mount set at 20psi and wired to turn on my red dash warning light if pressure drops below that. Here is a pic of how the electric gauge looks, not same sweep as the mechanical Smiths gauge but seems to be very accurate in my car

Buzzmobile · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 10:38 AM

I have no idea if yours is the same, but in my pics gallery, there are 3 pics of my set up. the brass fitting on the end of the tube broke off in the threaded plug at the remote oil filter. I cut the brit threads off the hose fitting and fortunately, it was long enough to put US pipe threads back on. Then I got a new plug for the remote filter and just drilled and tapped it with the same threads.

BTW, not sure that my set up is Smith's specific. When I was working through my fix, I sent them those pics and they had never seen the brass fitting on the end of the hose...so your results may vary

RedBarchetta · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 01:19 PM

Remove the speedometer...makes getting to the oil pressure gauge a whole lot easier. I also recall someone mentioning that Pegasus Racing offers a braided line kit for our cars/fittings?

-Dean #747

cdnus · #7 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 08:09 PM

I have read many posts about the oddball British pipe threads on the Smiths guages but as of now have not found that to be the case.
I had to adapt both the oil & water senders to different locations & used stantard NPT 1/8 to 1/4" brass adapters. The 1/8"NPT thread screws on by hand & seals up nicely with no damage to the original " British " threads.
Also I replaced my electric oil pressure guage with a mechanical Smiths guage & used a 90 deg. 1/8" NPT brass fitting on the back of the guage to connect a braided S/S line to with no problems, leaks or again, damage to the original threads.
I am sure if you try try it you will find the same results.

Blas · #8 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 08:57 PM

I remember something about..... if your using the SS Braided hose, be careful with the abrasive nqature of the hose and the vibrations in the car. You could have a nasty problem if it lies against any wiring....

SJK2 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 02:56 AM

Thanks all, not sure what I'm gonna do. May just go the electric gauge route and be done with it.......

spl310 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 05:38 AM

Here is a thought. Use a hard line from the gauge through the firewall, then a braided stainless line from there for the flexibility.

Lowell W · #11 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 05:44 AM

The Smiths oil temp gauge on my car has a 3/8 BSP sleeve which draws the bulb down into a double male adapter, threaded 3/8 NPT on the other end.

I needed an adapter to attach my sender into a 1/2" NPT fitting when I moved it from the oil pan to the remote filter line. The 3/8 BSP is about 5/8" OD, if I recall correctly and 19 TPI, so I couldn't even make one on my lathe with the change gears I have. Forget finding a threading die.

When I went looking for a 3/8 BSP to 1/2 NPT double male adapter, I found a website in New Zealand with a listing. I emailed them and they referred me to some tractor supply place in WA or OR, from whom I was able to order the part. I thought I had saved the info on the computer but can't find it now. If that sounds like what you need, shoot me a PM or an EM and I'll look around for the invoice.

Pegasus also has a few 3/8 BSP fittings; you could check their catalog to see whether they have what you need.

Lowell

SJK2 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 01:31 PM

OK back to the top for this thread.

Question:
How much oil/lubricant can be in the speedometer cable, I ask as i have the speedo, oil pressure and tach gauges out now and believe it or not its the cable to the speedo leaking and produced a small puddle of oil on carpet??

SJK2 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-25-2007, 04:51 PM

Pls see this thread also, thanks....

tremec tko oil leak

spl310 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-25-2007, 05:50 PM

If enough oil is coming out of the speedo cable to leave a puddle, then you have a problem...

SJK2 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-25-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spl310

If enough oil is coming out of the speedo cable to leave a puddle, then you have a problem...

I agree, but whats causing this????