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Topic: Oil Pressure Gauge

in Forum: C3 Interior

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Oil Pressure Gauge (1/26)
4/20/07 7:37am

Red Vette-76
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MARYSVILLE, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 stingray, L48 COUPE, TH350 Automatic WITH A ZZ4 355 HP 350 C.I. MOTOR, 750 cfm HOLLY, EXTERIOR RED, INTERIOR BUCKSKIN, SMOKE BLACK GLASS TEE TOPS.

Joined: 10/22/2006
Posts: 129

On my 76 the oil pressure gauge is pegged at 90 psi. I assume the oil pressure sensor or sending unit is the problem? I don't know where the sensor or sending unit is located so I can replace it. Any help would be appreiated.

______________

carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (2/26)
4/20/07 9:03am

Autom8r
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

Does it drop back to zero when you turn the ignition off??? If not, you likely have a stuck gauge.

Carl,

There are 2 places for the sensor. One is at the rear of the engine just to the left of the distributor, the other is down on the left rear of the engine block. Both are kind of a pain-in-the-butt to get to.

Dave

Oil Pressure Gauge (3/26)
4/20/07 10:20am

mkapp7879
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Joined: 10/21/2003
Posts: 1220

Here it is on a 79

Oil Pressure Gauge (4/26)
4/20/07 12:07pm

Yes, the gauge reads zero when the engine is off so that's why I expect it the sensor. Not sure I'm reading the picture correct that Mike sent. I believe it on the left side of the block viewed looking up from below? If so can you reach it easely? Also can I get one at the locate auto parts store or are these special order for one of the corvette sites?

Thanks,

carl

______________

carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (5/26)
4/20/07 12:37pm

Autom8r
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

Good shot!!! That's the bell housing and clutch limkage in the upper RH corner of the pic. Looks like a clean shot at it from underneath.

I suggest you get a replacement from your Chevy parts department to make sure it matches your gauge electrically. It's amazing what stuff they still have available for these things.

Another handy thing to have is the drive-on ramps from your local FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store). I got a nice set of heavy-duty plastic ones from Advance Auto Parts. That's about the most convenient way to get under the ride if you don't have a lift.

Dave

Oil Pressure Gauge (6/26)
4/20/07 1:39pm

Thanks for the advise and ifo Dave! I will give it a try possible this week end.

Carl

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carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (7/26)
4/20/07 3:41pm

Chips58
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Australia

Vette(s):
71 Coupe Black on Black

Joined: 5/6/2004
Posts: 535

Once you put the new one in, I'd be making sure all looks good. Too much oil pressure could indicate a blocked oil passage somewhere.

Oil Pressure Gauge (8/26)
4/22/07 6:21am

What is the correct operating pressure? I was thinking around 30/40 psi would be the norm.

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carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (9/26)
4/22/07 6:33am

tuxblacray

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Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...

Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

Carl, you won't hafta do anything special ta replace your sending unit. I replaced mine while we were camping last year so it's a pretty simple take off screw on job.

Mike's shot is right on the money. You can reach it easily from the top drivers side. Once you remove it take it with you to the partz store. There are 2 sizes which regulate different amountz of pressure. Most common on the 76 was the larger canister.

Once ya get it installed you are correct it should read 30 - 40 lbs.

Good Luck ! (She lookz nice!)

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link

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Oil Pressure Gauge (10/26)
4/22/07 7:35am

Thanks Larry! I will see if I can get at it from the top , now that I know where it's at. I ordered one from Corvette Central for $34. I wanted to be sure to get that P/N for the year and they had it so it should be correct.

Thanks for compliment! I hope to fix up the interior to match how nice it looks from the outside. A little at a time $$$ and Sweat! lol

Carl

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carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (11/26)
4/22/07 9:38am

Dejablu

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Wichita, KS - USA

Vette(s):
2005 Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic Coupe --------------------- Sold 1974 T-top, 4 spd to BillKS

Joined: 11/10/2003
Posts: 6859

Hey Carl, how about letting us know how it works out. I've got the same problem with my 74. Thanks.....

Larry

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Oil Pressure Gauge (12/26)
4/22/07 11:09am

cortlandfirefighter
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thomasville, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1975

Joined: 10/1/2006
Posts: 9

my pressure bounces, butnot all the time is that the sensor?

Oil Pressure Gauge (13/26)
4/22/07 11:47am

BKVETTE
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Calhoun City, MS - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Black T-Top

Joined: 9/24/2005
Posts: 121

having problems with mines too. Replaced it twice within weeks apart. Same symptoms. was told here it could possibly be in the cluster. Hadn't gotten around to replacing it yet because I'm having the rearend replaced with new side yokes. I'm curious to what you find also

Oil Pressure Gauge (14/26)
4/22/07 6:25pm

Dejablu, I will rply to what I find out once I install it. I have ordered the part from Corvette Central so once it arrives I will install it the next week end. ETA is around a week so stay tuned! I looked at my 76 today and fo

und it on the left side of the block and I will have to go underneath to get at it. I don't believe it will be difficult if I can get a wrench on it.

Carl

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carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (15/26)
4/23/07 12:16pm

Autom8r
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

We test drove a 2000 C-5 a couple of weeks ago. The oil pressure read 135 PSI..... even with the engine not running.....

Dave

Oil Pressure Gauge (16/26)
4/24/07 10:20am

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

I have a similar problem. Only in reverse. My gauge (mechanical) is new and reads about 30 pounds on start up (new GM crate engine). After 10 minutes of driving it reads about 10 pounds. I removed the left rocker arm cover and there is plenty of oil coming out of the push rods, no excess clatter and no bottom end noise. So, the engine is not starving for oil. I was wondering if there is a problem with the gauge or the line is plugged (new also). I am probably going to remove the line at the block and hook up the original gauge to see how it reads.

Oil Pressure Gauge (17/26)
4/24/07 11:08am

Autom8r
Former Member
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

That sounds a little spooky! I had a ZZ-3 crate motor I bought in '95. After 8 years of service the crank broke. Turns out the factory had only installed the top half of #3 main bearing, the cap was empty when I pulled it. My parts guy at Carl Black Chev. is a real savvy guy and got me a new ZZ-4 short block under warranty, but went through a ton of hassle to git 'er done.....

Try hooking up another gauge, they're pretty cheap. If you run a mechanical gauge, the nylon tubing is a time bomb waiting to eventually go off!!! For a permanent installation, get some 1/8" OD copper tubing, or better yet a 1/16" braided hose.

Oil Pressure Gauge (18/26)
4/24/07 2:57pm

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

I have the original gauge. I will hook it up and see how it reads. The line is nylon but it is new also. I would really be worried if the oil wasn't pumping out of all of the pushrods.

Oil Pressure Gauge (19/26)
4/24/07 4:20pm

Autom8r
Former Member
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

Nylon is fine to test, but after a few years the nylon will get brittle from the underhood heat and will spring a leak spraying flammable oil everywhere. Heaven forbid if it comes in contact with a header or exhaust manifold.

You ain't never seen such a firey mess. I ain't neither and don't plan on it.....

Let us know how it works out.

I think about all of us have crossed that fine line.....

Dave

Oil Pressure Gauge (20/26)
4/25/07 9:49am

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

I will let you know tommorow how it turns out. I went to the hardware store this morning to pick up the brass elbow that I needed to screw onto the back of the old gauge before I could hook up the spare line to the rear of the block. Now I can check the accuracy of the new gauge vs. an oil pressure problem without removing the center gauge panel. The only thing wrong with the old gauge was the fact the the green lettering is a little faded. If the new gauge is off, I will put the old one back in.

Oil Pressure Gauge (21/26)
4/26/07 8:29am

tonyb47
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Suffern, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1976 restored,new interior,custom paint(purple),body kit,rebuilt engine,trans,upgraded sound system

Joined: 3/16/2005
Posts: 227

1969l46,can't wait to see how you make out,I get the exact same conditions on my 76, good oil pressure when I first start her up, but after it warms up it drops to almost nothing

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Oil Pressure Gauge (22/26)
4/26/07 10:08am

Autom8r
Former Member
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////

Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

Tony,

No sweat, your rebuilt engine is just worn out!

Dave

Oil Pressure Gauge (23/26)
4/26/07 2:21pm

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

Well, last night I hooked up the original gauge to the engine and on start up, the gauge reads about 60 PSI. After warm up at idle it read about 35 PSI. That's a big difference from the AC Delco replacement piece. I hooked it back up and it still reads low. Obviously it's the gauge. So for the time being, I am leaving the new gauge in and will live with the skewed reading. I don't feel like removing the center gauge panel and disassembling it again. Now, I can not speak for the electrically actuated gauges or sending units. 1969 L462007-04-26 14:23:30

Oil Pressure Gauge (24/26)
5/2/07 7:54pm

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

Well,, we put about 50 miles on the car last weekend. No oiling problems and it ran great. Now, if my body man gets my hood and convertable top deck lid painted, the car will be done. It was actually interesting driving around with no hood and seeing the people stare.

Oil Pressure Gauge (25/26)
6/4/07 3:47pm

I finely got to the job and replaced the oil pressure sending unit. I was really easy and it fixed the problem. With the engine running the gauge now reads 40 pound pressure. Tongue

______________

carl

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Oil Pressure Gauge (26/26)
6/26/07 6:26am

1969 L46
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

Well, I took the gauge panel out, removed the oil pressure gauge and discovered that the expansion band on the rear of the gauge had been slightly tweaked (probably by me during the initial install). I carefully squeezed it back to the proper position so the sector gear was in the proper position relative to the drive gear. I then hooked it up, fired up the car and it works perfectly. 45 - 60 PSI at 1500 RPM. Now I can at least know if the pressure drops for a mechanical reason. The things you learcn working on these beasts.

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