Oil gauge fluctuation

[Rob Glasgow]

I took my partially assembled BT7 for a short run today just to inspire me to continue with the stripping of the paint on the body panels. Amazing how quick the car is without the weight of the body and interior....
I did notice the oil pressure guade was fluctuating during the drive. Bouncing up and down by about 10 pounds. Prior to the restoration, it had been very stable. I didn't do anything other than remove it and reistall it when the engine went back in and install a new flex hose.
Any ideas on how to stop the fluctuation?

 

[RAC68]

Hi Rob,

I would recheck the gauge connection and line first. I would disconnect the line to make sure there are no blocking deposits before going further.

Good luck,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[GregW]

Hi Rob,
There is a very small sealing washer (fiber I think) that goes between the oil gauge and the hose. I don't see it listed in Moss' catalog where the gauge or hose is shown. Did you install one?

 

[Rob Glasgow]

I dont recall seeing a washer between the line a gauge, but then again, I didn't really look for one. I did spend some time refinishing the oil line so if there was a washer, it might have fallen out. I'll disconnect the gauge today and look for the washer. Any idea where I can get one if it's missing?

 

[British_Recovery]

It's Moss part # 435-516, but is "not available". It is a thin, leather washer, according to the description. You can probably make on out of some gasket paper.

 

[steveg]

Sounds like air in the line between the block and the gauge. Disconnect line at back of gauge and crank the engine to run a little oil through the line into a vessel before reattaching.

 

[steveg]

A small nitrile o-ring might do as well. HF has a 225-piece Nitrile O-ring set for $5.99. Just checked mine - contains some very small sizes. Nitrile is compatible with engine oil.