Oil Pressure Gauge Pipe Fitting

[erstearns]

Does the pipe fitting on the gauge require a washer or is the seal made between the flat brass surfaces? Don't see a washer listed on any of the parts diagrams but have seen a washer mentioned on various threads.

 

[dfwip]

Eric-

On the later cars it is a leather washer.
My bet is that it is the same on your car.
Moss UK has them. Not sure about Moss USA.

Paul

 

[The_architect]

Eric, I took a quarter-inch diameter hollow punch to an old leather wallet and just banged one out. Works fine.

Charlie

 

[Whitephrog]

The Austin Healey Sprite Service Parts List dated June 1960 doesn't show or list a washer.

 

[erstearns]

Found some fiber washers at the local hardware store that are the right size, although seems like the brass to brass faces would seal if they were smooth. Neoprene would work also I guess. Just don't want engine oil all over the pretty new white paint in the interior.

 

[dklawson]

To the best of my knowledge, the sealing washer was used on Smiths mechanical oil pressure gauges regardless of when the gauge was made and what make/model of car it was used in.

As above, you can make them from many materials. The only caveat is don't be tempted to use an o-ring. While the o-ring might work at first, they have a tendency to slip outward over time under the oil pressure.

If you are ever installing a completely new oil pressure tube/line, you can use the generic copper line kits that come with a female 1/8NPT pipe to tube compression fitting. Though the threads aren't the same as on the gauge, a few wraps of Teflon tape and the NPT fitting will work perfectly.

 

[erstearns]

I have a new copper line from the gauge and it has the flat faced fitting. Will use fiber washer.

 

[Whitephrog]

Today started the engine in the new Whitephrog for the first time in five years. Oil leaked around the oil pipe fitting at the back of the dual gauge. Don't remember putting a washer there when I assembled the dash but I will be doing that soon.