The significance of knowing the process of a mechanical oil pressure gauge Install is too much for automobile enthusiasts. An oil pressure gauge prevents the drivers from the sudden shock of the low oil pressure levels, by keeping them updated.
The oil change light plays its role in keeping the drivers aware of their oil levels but it is often too late.
An oil pressure gauge, however, displays the live situation of your engine by indicating the oil levels as they are going down. It calculates the temperature of the oil and the resistance of the oil that is being circulated throughout the engine.
Which then indicates the oil levels of the vehicle engine by the mechanical oil pressure gauge line.
Instead of mechanical oil pressure gauge, modern vehicles use another type of oil gauge which are electrical and displays more details. Electrical oil pressure gauge uses current and wires whereas, the mechanical oil gauge works using pipes.
So, its mandatory to avail the knowledge about how to install an oil pressure gauge.
How to Install a Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge:
Tools & Materials Required:
- Mechanical oil gauge kit
- Zip ties
- Wrench
- Teflon tape
- Drill
- Self-tapping Screws
Step1: Find the Pressure Sending Unit for Your engine
The first thing you need to do for installing a mechanical oil gauge is to search where the pressure sending unit is. It is a bit tacky because there is no certain location.
It can vary from engine to engine. The oil pressure sending unit socket is a 2-inch-long metallic round gadget, that you will see connected with a wire.
Step 2: Remove the Oil Pressure Sending Unit
Once you locate the oil pressure sending unit, carefully detach it from the wire, and take a zip-tie to hold the wire safely. To make sure that you have removed the wire from the right gadget, check the engine light.
If it stays on, you have done it right. Now take a wrench and remove the oil pressure sending unit.
Step 3: Take Out Your New Oil Gauge Kit
Now it is time to take out and locate different components of your mechanical oil gauge kit before oil pressure gauge install.
First of all look for the double end compression fitting, it is a six-sided metallic gadget with threads on both sides. One side is known as the pipe fitting while on the other side the oil pressure line is added.
Take Teflon tape and wrap it on the threads on the pipe fitting side. Then check the side of the threads on the engine block from where you removed the pressure sending unit.
If both the threads match, it is your cue to tighten the pipe fitting side to the engine block. In case the threads on the engine block do not fit with the threads on the pipe fitting, add an adapter from the gauge kit and try again.
Step 4: Adjust the Compression Nut onto the Tubing
From your oil gauge kit, locate the plastic tubing and add a compression nut to the tubing. The compression nut has a hole in the middle and has six sides.
Then look for a tiny bead made out of brass from the kit, which is known as the ferrule, and slide it onto the tubing. Then leaving less than a half-inch of the tubing out, attach it to the other side of the pipe fitting on the engine block.
Use a wrench to close the tubing with the nut, without releasing any pressure from the tubing.
Step 5: Locate the Wiring to the Passenger Compartment
Search the vehicle for the firewall and locate the route of the wiring to the passenger compartment. Typically, the firewall is on the backside of the engine where the brake cylinder is connected.
Take the plastic tubing and try to slide it all the way up to the passenger compartment from the engine block. If you are unable to do so, use a drill to make a tiny hole for the tubing to pass through.
Step 6: Pick a Spot for the Oil Gauge Bezel
On the dashboard, pick a spot where your oil gauge bezel should fit, typically, in most vehicles it is located on the bottom of the dashboard. Once a spot is finalized, take two self-taping screws and attach the bezel.
Step 7: Attach the Oil Tube to the Gauge
Take the oil tube and lead it to the oil gauge bezel on the dashboard, and add nuts and ferrules to tighten it. Check all the washers, nuts, and brackets on the oil gauge and ensure that the engine is not leaking, and it's done.
How Does A Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge Work?
The main working frame for the mechanical oil pressure gauge is the use of oil pipes instead of wires, like in the electrical gauge.
In the mechanical oil pressure gauge, the oil flows in the tiny pipes attached to the gauge every time it flows to the engine. The reading on the mechanical gauge bezel is then displayed by measuring the flow of the oil through the oil pipes.
Although the oil pressure information on the mechanical gauge is much more accurate than the electrical one, there is a greater risk. The oil pipes can be ruptured and the oil leak of greater pressure can be caused as it is flowing from the engine.
FAQs
1. How Do You Test A Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge?
You can test if your mechanical oil pressure gauge is working perfectly by noticing the oil level readings. After taking the readings from the oil gauge, test it by having a mechanic check your oil pressure level manually.
If the oil level does not match with the readings, it means your oil gauge is defective.
2. Are Mechanical or Electrical Gauges Better?
There is no right answer to this question, as both of these have their own pros and cons. The mechanical oil gauge is known to provide much accurate information than the electrical one.
However, there any damage to the mechanical gauge can lead to more trouble than the electrical one.
3. Where Do You Hook Up A Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge?
The right location for hooking up an oil gauge is where the driver can easily see while driving. Usually, it is attached to the bottom corner of the dashboard. Some vehicles have oil gauges attached to the top of the dashboard as well.
Conclusion
Installing an oil pressure gauge is one of the best ways of keeping your car engine running and healthy. This guide on how to hook up an oil pressure gauge provides step-by-step instructions on how to do it the right way.
The mechanical oil gauges can be seen on the dashboard of the passenger compartment with a needle that indicates the oil levels. They operate by small oil pipes and are very easy to be installed at home if you have a few auto skills.
Mechanical oil pressure gauge install is made easy if you follow these steps to install it in your vehicle.