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Oil Pressure Gauge Leak

jhorton3

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Fix one leak, sprout another. Now I've got a leak with the oil pressure/temp gauge. It looks like there's oil inside the gauge, and it's leaked out on the front of the dash and a couple of drops on my leg. Is there a way to open that gauge and repair leaks?
 
You can perhaps fix this yourself. Do you have an air compressor? It will be helpful in this repair.

I started to type a lengthy list of steps. It's too much. PM me and I'll tell you how to open the gauge up and discuss what you may find.
 
Thanks for offering to help. Don't know if you remember but I replaced one braided oil line for another. I've checked the connection and I can't see that there's any leaks from the outside. Considered disconnecting it and putting some teflon tape on the threads. I do see some oil on the bottom edge inside the gauge, and it has leaked out both behind the dash and on the facade.
 
No matter what I tried today I could not get the oil leak to stop. Time for a new one, but did something to tide me over until I can get one. I had another gauge that the temp bulb was missing. Clipped the rest of the line, installed the braided oil line on and strapped it to the under side of the dash. Not as convenient as having both temp and pressure in one gauge, but at least I know what's going on.
 
Good intrem fix. Kind of lets you know what is really needed and will get you down the road a bit.
 
I think I need to wrap the threads on the back of the gauge with some teflon tape. I still had a few drops on my right leg from yesterday's trip. Nothing like the constant drip I had Saturday.
 
There's the olive (ferrule) on the small bore tubing, there's also the fiber washer between the Smiths female fitting and the male threads on the back of the gauge.
 
dklawson said:
There's the olive (ferrule) on the small bore tubing, there's also the fiber washer between the Smiths female fitting and the male threads on the back of the gauge.


/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif Just make a new washer and fit it on.Most likely the leak will be gone.-Fwiw---Keoke= /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
Might even find a washer in the plumbing section at the hardware?
 
Perhaps even a tiny o-ring in place of the fiber washer... or a carefully punched piece of thick gasket paper like Keoke suggested.
 
That's what I like, lots of options.
 
jlaird said:
Might even find a washer in the plumbing section at the hardware?

No Jack it is too small you have to make them thats all.---Keoke
 
Gesh, I hate makeing gaskets and seals and such.
 
Donn, it's also possible that a PO replaced the Smiths fitting with a more common 1/8NPT female fitting. Those don't benefit from the fiber washer and will work great with the application of just a little Teflon tape.

The fiber washer is small, much smaller than any I've seen in kits or assortments. The OD is probably just under 3/8" and the ID is perhaps 1/8" or less. There are sometimes little nylon washers that size in kits of electronic hardware.
 
I just had an awful thought. Sodder the line on the back of the guage. Shucks it can not be seen nor should it cause a problem and it surely would seal the darn thing.
 
I wrapped the threads on the back of the gauge with teflon tape and put the pressure line back on. Ran about 5 miles with not a single drop on my leg.
 
Excellent, hope it stays that way.
 
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