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Question

jlaird

Great Pumpkin
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Anyone ever have an oil pressure gauge that is sticking a bit. ie the needle sticks at one spot for awile.

Solution????? Open it up and lube the needle bearing???
 
Look real close at the thin paper gasket inside the gauge.
They get old and wrinkly and sag into the needles of the gauge.
The needle may be touching it in a spot or 2.
Open up the bezel, remove the glass, and toss that paper gasket.
A thin "O" ring can replace it or an evening with some black construction paper and scissors :wink:
 
Ahh, thanks Frank. Will give it a go.
 
If it's not a problem with something binding the needle itself, it could be one of two other areas. Most Smiths mechanical oil pressure gauges have a sintered bronze filter element where the fitting screws on. If you look carefully at the hole where the fiber flat washer sits on the back you'll see it. Sometimes holding the gauge with the face pointing "up" and spraying into the sintered element using spray carb cleaner will flush out deposits that improve gauge response. (Remember, spray "up" into the pipe nipple on the gauge so carb cleaner doesn't get in the case and ruin the gauge face. Use the "spray tube" on the can of carb cleaner so you're spraying a jet of fluid). Another area that can cause problems is the gear linkage on the bourdon tube. They can get bits of dust/dirt/grit on them over the years and this makes the gauge move in steps or jerky jumps. It's a little more involved getting those issues resolved because you have to remove the movement from the case and clean everything.
 
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