Technical SW Mech Oil Pressure Gauge

Anyone using a SW mechanical oil pressure gauge in their 265 Chev engine?
My sender is set up for the idiot light.....I want to convert it to a gauge. I have an old SW mech gauge I would like to use but it is minus the tubing and fittings but I think they are still available.

 

I'm a big fan of SW mechanical gauges. Most any parts store will have the hookup tubing and fittings in a kit. I don't currently have a 265 engine anymore but the size and manufacturer of an engine wont make any difference. I personally don't care for the plastic lines but the copper tubing has always been easy for me to find.

 

Thanks tommy....I'll visit my local parts store. I am also using the SW mech temp gauge. I picked them up years ago and now have the opportunity to use them. I was a little concerned about having liquid inside a tubing inside the cabin but they have used them very successfully for eons, right?

 

Liquid inside is no problem, most of the older cars had copper oil pressure lines.


Ago
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I just picked up a tubing kit which included fittings on ebay for about $8 if you cant find one locally, give evilbay a try.

 

Don't buy the plastic tubing kits. Many guys have experienced the surprise of hot oil squirting their leg after the plastic rubs on something sharp for too long.

The copper tube kits don't cost much more, and will last a lot longer. It's smart to make a small coil (like a spring) at the engine end before you run it through the firewall. This will prevent the engine's vibrations from pulling on the line and kinking it.

 

unlike the oil pressure gauge, a mechanical temp capillary, can't be repaired by a novice. I sent mine out for repair and it works just fine.

 

i always go to the hardware and get 1/8 copper tube and the necessary fittings. haven't had an issue yet, plus its been much cheaper than the parts store kits

 

thanks all
my temp gauge and capillary tube is in good condition.

 

I have used the plastic tube for years with no problem on several cars. Run it like the factory would have. No place to kink, well insulated, and grommets at the firewall.

 

I like the idea of copper tube, but I have used plastic tube for decades. I have to admit when I was younger, I did have an issue of chaffing a hole which ended up with oil dumping in the floorboard, but you only do that once before you learn to take precautions. I always sleeve my plastic tube with rubber va***m or fuel line to keep it from chaffing through the plastic tube, along with thoughtful routing and haven't had that issue since.

 

You can't polish the plastic stuff.

 

tommy....polish will not be an issue with me!

 

Also used the plastic for many-many years on several cars without problem.
Just be sure there is no chaffing anywhere.

Though, on the car I'm currently working on, I'll be using steel braided teflon line.

Mike

 

It is not for me either except it is just so easy with a rag and some chrome polish between your fingers. It won't last real long but again it is just sooo easy. I'm not a "buff and shinner" either.

I used the plastic stuff once back in the 60s as a temporary test of the oil pressure. It got against the exhaust manifold and sprayed the whole engine compartment with oil and chased away all the mosquito's with the smoke. It was just a test and no real protections were taken. It would probably be just fine if installed correctly but I don't like the look. JMHO

 

pretty sure I won't be using plastic.