Best way to access back of oil pressure gauge

[Got the Bug]

I bought a new braided oil pressure gauge line and I'm looking for recommendations regarding the best way to get access to the backside of the gauge.

One recommendation that I received from a local SPF owner was to pull the speedometer out. It almost looks like it would be easier to remove the glove box or remove the tach and reach through the dash

They didn't make it easy to get behind the dash...especially for someone with big hands.

Appreciate any suggestions.

[wtm442]

A shotgun works. Good luck.

Actually, the best way is to ask your smallest friend to help you. I'm only 5 ft 18 inches tall, so find someone smaller.

Also, suggest posting the question on SCOF.

[Got the Bug]

I just spoke to Stephen at Full Throttle in Reno and he and his mechanic also suggested accessing it through the speedometer.

[Velox]

I had mine out several times and eventually changed over to an electronic Smiths oil pressure gauge. The easiest access is indeed by removing the speedo and then it is easy to work from under the dash and through the speedo opening to reach other gauges. The speedo is actually quite easy to remove, just spin off the cable connector from the reverse angle drive attachment, feel on the backside of the speedo for the two small round nuts that spin onto the speedo mount bolts and under the nuts is a light metal plate that extends down each side of the speedo to anchor up against the back of the dash. The plate just lifts off the speedo bolts. A single wire hooks to the instrument light in the speedo, the light just lifts out. Pull the speedo forward and directly out of the dash.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

They didn't make it easy to get behind the dash...especially for someone with big hands.

Doug, you bragging? You know what they say about a man with big hands?

[Blas]

Don't loose the little copper washer at the instrument..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JBCOBRA]

LOL Blas!
Workin on the gauges is a bear. I had to replace the temp on my street version, Holy Smokes! that took some patients and quite a few cold ones. Not including chiropractic visits LOL

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Blas

Don't loose the little copper washer at the instrument..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad you posted Blas!!!

A little copper washer was sitting on the carpet on the transmission tunnel. I had know idea where it came from.

Does the little copper washer go in the fitting that attaches to the oil pressure gauge?

I tightened the fitting to the gauge, but luckily I didn't re-install the gauge yet or test the line.

[Blas]

Yes, behind the gauge...without it you'll have well lubed feet...

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Doug, you bragging? You know what they say about a man with big hands?

This job really should be done by an ASE certified service monkey...I'm not talking about guy with his hat on backwards, I'm talking about a small monkey!

One other question. I was able to get the fitting on the gauge wrench tight without removing the oil pressure gauge. Guessing that should be sufficient.

The knurled nut on back of the oil pressure gauges is cranked down tight and I couldn't loosen it by hand, so I'm hoping to reinstall the braided line/fitting without removing the gauge.

[Got the Bug]

Mission accomplished. My body should recover after a couple of Tylenol and cocktail.

Thanks again Blas for the heads-up regarding the copper washer. Everything is back in place and I tested the system. No leaks so far.

[ekrupa2]

Doug -come to Michigan now to do mine...we have great weather here...

[Blas]

Hey Doug,
My pleasure. Always glad to share what I have learned. Technically, the air pressure in that small oil line is what registers on the gauge. The oil does not necessarily ever make it to the instrument. (thought sometimes you can see some in the original plastic tube) If oil actually made its way to the gauge, that tells you you have an air leak at the gauge fitting.
BTW: If you had the standard plastic hose installed and if for some reason it cracked and began to leak, it would start to pump some very warm engine oil on to your legs. Take three guess's why I know this....the first two guess's don't count....
Blas

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Blas

Hey Doug,
My pleasure. Always glad to share what I have learned. Technically, the air pressure in that small oil line is what registers on the gauge. The oil does not necessarily ever make it to the instrument. (thought sometimes you can see some in the original plastic tube) If oil actually made its way to the gauge, that tells you you have an air leak at the gauge fitting.
BTW: If you had the standard plastic hose installed and if for some reason it cracked and began to leak, it would start to pump some very warm engine oil on to your legs. Take three guess's why I know this....the first two guess's don't count....
Blas

I did see a little oil in the stock nylon hose when I removed it. I also found that the hose had a decent crease (to the point where it looked like it could break) where it connects to the 90 degree fitting at the gauge.

I also didn't know (until a fellow SPF owner told me) that the hose at the gauge is pushed on (or glued?) to the 90 degree fitting at the gauge. It doesn't look too secure.

I installed an AN teflon line from British American Transfer in Florida that fellow CC member Scooter recommended.

[Blas]

Perhaps you could post the supplier info and part numbers?
Blas760

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Blas

Perhaps you could post the supplier info and part numbers?
Blas760

For sure. This is courtesy of Scott (Scooter) who provided me with the part numbers.

The supplier is BAT (British American Transfer) In Florida).

http://www.batinc.net/main.htm

- 1 x Fitting ABS390F 90 deg 1/8" BSP x -3 hose end ( for Smith Gauge Flat Seal - British Standard Pipe Fitting)

- 6' Hose FC3-3T TFE -3AN TEFLON

- 1 x Fitting 816-3-2 Union -3AN x 1/8" NPT

- 1 x Fitting FS-3 -3AN Straight Hose End (TE)

The assembled line was $64.00 which included $7.00 to install the hose ends. You can assemble it yourself (would make it easier to fish through the firewall), but I thought I'd let a pro do it. The full 6' is perfect for the SPF.

I ran some of the AN line under the dash through a piece of wire loom to prevent rubbing on the wiring harness.

[FOMOCONUT]

Thanks for the info. SPF 2773 Jerry

[andygay]

Just got mine in the mail yesterday from BAT. They did a great job putting it together however it does not come with that little brass washer so be careful with it. Unfortunately what I didn't realize was that 1/8 NTP wouldn't fit the windsor block. I was unable to find a 3AN to 1/4NTP so ended up getting a 1/4 to 1/8 NTP adapter and everything should match up now.

[scootter]

Hey Doug,

Glad you got it from BAT. They made a nice hose and knew exactly what I needed.

Scott