Oil line to oil Gauge

[Ray Jackson]

The live oil line from my engine block to the gauge broke today not a pretty site. Fortunatly it broke on the engine side.

Can this be changed to eletric? I know I would need to add a sending unit
and change the gauge. Anyone do this

Thank You
Ray

[Dennis C.]

Ray, Don't know what make or year this is on...

...but I'd be inclined to patch in a fix on the little oil tube rather than re-inventing the wheel and go on with life... Best, Dennis

[Ray Jackson]

Re: Oil line to oil Gauge

That bad oil line is on a 70 small block
Ray

[Dick W.]

Re: Oil line to oil Gauge

Easier to go to local parts house and purchase a line kit. Most, if not all, parts stores will have a plastic line kit.

[Rob Dame]

Re: Oil line to oil Gauge

Not that easy going all the way to the gauge on a 70. I like Dennis's patch for easy.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil line to oil Gauge

Ray------

If the line broke, I would not attempt to repair it. That's because if it's original to the car (as it may well be), it's a nylon (plastic) piece that's been exposed to heat and 37 years of age. A repair now may result in a break soon afterwards in another location. If it breaks UNDER THE DASH, it will be a LOT messier than when it breaks in the engine compartment.

Your options, as I see it, are these:

1) Replace the line with a new one. As others have mentioned, these are easy to obtain. Installed correctly, they will likely last at least another 37 years. These nylon lines are quite durable. In fact, I think that some of the more recently manufactured lines are made from an even more durable plastic material. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that the line you use has the little brass inserts in either end of the line for the compression-type fittings to bear against;

2) If you're utterly paranoid about the possible future break of the oil line, then you can install the electric version of the oil pressure gauge. Simply install pressure sender GM #15591103 in the same 1/8" NPT block fitting as your oil gauge tube fitting is installed now. Then, install a reproduction of the 74-76 oil pressure gauge in your gauge cluster and connect the 2 with a wire. That's all there is to it. However, be advised that the 74-76 oil pressure gauges have white lettering whereas your 1970 originally used gauges with pale green lettering. So, the 74-76 oil gauge will not exactly match your other gauges. However, they will otherwise adapt perfectly to your gauge cluster.

[Dick W.]

Re: Oil line to oil Gauge

I agree with Joe, if the plastic is broken now, the rest of it is probably brittle. Replace the whole line.