C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

[Tony]

Is there a method of testing the oil pressure gauge?

One time the gauge read near zero then a couple days later it functioned normally until I repaired an unrelated problem behind the cluster, then it only reads around 30 with adequate oil in the crankcase. Could there merely be a small clog that needs cleared?

Before I blindly replace the gauge, I'd like to test it. I am also considering replacing the neoprene line in favor of a stronger copper line available on e-bay.

Your thoughts?

Thank you.

Tony

[Joe L.]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

Tony-----

You didn't mention what year C3 your're talking about. 1968-73 Corvettes use a mechanical oil pressure gauge. After 1973, they went to electronic. Since you mention that you have a "neoprene" oil pressure line, I'll assume that you have a 1968-73.

Actually, no Corvette ever used a neoprene oil pressure gauge line. 1968-73 Corvettes did use a nylon oil pressure line, though. These lines actually work very well, but they should be replaced every 10 years, or so.

The way that you test your current oil pressure gauging system is to install a "T" in the line where it comes off of the block. Then, install a seperate line with a test gauge on one leg of the "T" while the other leg continues to operate the in-car gauge. Then, compare the readings. This will isolate the problem, if there actually is one, to the line or the gauge. Replace the line as a matter of general maintenence. Retest. If you still have a problem, you know it's the gauge.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

Do NOT use a copper line for the oil pressure, or anything else on a motor vehicle. Copper hardens when it is bent, even a small amount -- like from vibrations. When it hardens it becomes brittle. When it is brittle, it cracks. When it cracks any liquid inside goes to the outside. Get the picture?
Some steel lines are copper plated, and can fool one into thinking they are copper. A magnet separates the ferrous from the non-ferrous.

[Tony]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

Terry,

Thanks for the advice! I have a 1971 and perhaps it is a nylon, not neoprene, line.

What brand and where do you reccomend I buy replacement line?

If the gaugue is faulty/clogged, can it be refurbished? (I'm quite handy.)

Thank you.
Tony

[Terry M.]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

When I had to replace my oil pressure line, I was able to go to my neighborhood Chevrolet dealer and buy it. That dealer is no longer there (he moved to a less congested suburb so he could build a newer, larger store as the corporate office demanded), and we will have to depend on Joe Lucia or others to tell us if this part is still available from GM or the restoration aftermarket.

[Jack H.]

Paragon 2135K (Kit With Fittings) @ $14.00 *NM*

[Dick W.]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

If you have guage out you can put a drop or two of light oil on the pivot points. I have "rebuilt may 68-73 guages this way.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

Thank you for the advice, but do I apply the oil through the front side while it is still together? I've got watch/camera oil.

Thank you.
Tony

[Dick W.]

Re: C3- 350 Oil pressure gauge

You have to remove the guage to accomplish this. When you get it out you will see a curved tube with a link on the end that operates the needle. You need to lube the pivot point. This fixes most of the guages, both C2 and C3 cars.