I've got a sbc 350 from a '71 corvette in a 1949 ford custom with the original dash cluster. And, I suspect, the original oil pressure sending unit from the flathead that was initially in it. But my car came with the sb chev and I've never owned a car with a flathead. Consequently, I don't know what the oil pressure sending unit on a flathead looked like. The car is now fitted with a 12 volt battery. It was originally 6 volt. Background: All was well with the oil pressure readings until about 3 weeks ago, when I noticed it dropped to zero. After checking out the connection, I noticed the wire going to the pressure gauge at the back of the engine was worn through. I took out the old sensor and decided to put in a new sensor as new is good, right? Here's a picture of the one that I took off the car. (click for enlargement) I went to the local auto parts store and purchased one of these: The problem: When I started the car up, the oil pressure reading shot off the chart and smoke started coming out from behind the dash. My thinking: I've put a 12 volt oil pressure sending unit in and the dash cluster is still 6 volt. My question: What do I have to do to make this work? Any advice useful at this point.
You must use the sender that matches the gauge.(like the old one) The gauge needs to be supplied with 6 volts via voltage reducer. You may have fried the gauge....
oh no, not a Ford with Chevy power - thought I would be first. can always just put an aftermarket pressure gauge below dash. how is temp gauge set up?
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