1941 deluxe convertible oil gauge not working

[hueyhoolihan]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

huey, This may seem silly but, wear a small face mask to cover your nose and mouth as you don't want a small screw to fall into throat and choke you. Or, put tape over your mouth.

thanks for the heads up. and although i think that that's unlikely...if it did happen i would probably choke to death long before i could get myself out from under the dash.

and the sad part...would be that when my dear sisters became aware of the circumstances of my death, i'll bet they would bow their heads, slowly shake them left and right and say, "...well, he died doing what he loved best." which would be ENTIRELY UNTRUE!

[fortyonerag]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

fortyonerag, Your gauge set up looks great. I can't believe the price of the other unit.

Many thanks Sir! It looks great illuminated.

Those Smiths units can by pricey, but bargains can sometimes be had. I often wonder why no one made a dual temp gauge for flatheads. Would have been very handy!

[fortyonerag]

Huey, I can confirm that the oil gauge will come out without having to remove the whole cluster which is a much bigger job. Once the electrical connections to the gauge are removed, the gauge is held on by two screws only.

Consider dropping the pedals so you can get comfortable back there.

Be aware that pulling the whole cluster will mean you will have to deal with the ammeter wire. I had to cut mine to slide the wire out and re-terminate on installation.

I'd recommend getting a small/medium flat screw driver that can hold screws captive. It will really make a difference especially on assembly. You do not want to drop a screw or washer into the gauge cluster.

Good luck. Fingers crossed its only your sender unit!

[hueyhoolihan]

Originally Posted by fortyonerag

Huey, I can confirm that the oil gauge will come out without having to remove the whole cluster which is a much bigger job. Once the electrical connections to the gauge are removed, the gauge is held on by two screws only.

Consider dropping the pedals so you can get comfortable back there.

Be aware that pulling the whole cluster will mean you will have to deal with the ammeter wire. I had to cut mine to slide the wire out and re-terminate on installation.

I'd recommend getting a small/medium flat screw driver that can hold screws captive. It will really make a difference especially on assembly. You do not want to drop a screw or washer into the gauge cluster.

Good luck. Fingers crossed its only your sender unit!

gauge is out! as noted, was not difficult. the pics and advice were very helpful and confidence inspiring!

bad news is that the gauge shows no continuity (i'm assuming it should, but not certain) and, not surprisingly does not move the needle when connected directly to a 6v battery (in either direction WRT polarity). good news is that i bought a NOS one a few days ago from the Ebay site and it will be here tomorrow.

and yes, i'm assuming getting the new one back in will be a real PITA. and in anticipation, may buy two or three, or ten, of those tiny screws that fasten the gauge to the instrument cluster. you know, just in case i drop one or three of them into the abyss, eh?

[kurt v]

Get one of the screw drivers with the clips to hold the screw to the tip makes it much easier.

[hueyhoolihan]

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new dashboard oil pressure gauge delivered today! i first tested it for continuity. and it has continuity, unlike the old one, so i was encouraged. then simply passed some 6v current through it and the needle moved. ...more encouraged. then connected (looking from the back) the right stud to 6v power and the left on to the new oil pressure sensor in the engine and started the engine. it registered oil pressure!!!...but too much. (i knew there were a couple of different sensors and i ordered the 50lb one for my '41) so i removed the new oil pressure sensor and re-installed the old one and now it shows a more reasonable pressure. about 60lbs.

and then i went a step further and installed the new gauge in the dash. and it was surprisingly easy. i started the two tiny screws that secure the gauge to the gauge cluster with my fingers. then tightened with a screwdriver. only thing left to do is run power from the ignition switch to the proper stud on the back.

wow, what an ordeal....

thanks all for the help!

[fortyonerag]

Sorted! Good work! 60lbs is not a bad number either.

[tubman]

The "official" specification for normal "on the road" oil pressure for an 8BA (80 lb pump) is 57 psi according to my 1953 "Motor Manual".This is the only place I have ever found even an unofficial specification for this. Of course, it is more a function of the relief spring than the pump itself.

[hueyhoolihan]

Originally Posted by tubman

The "official" specification for normal "on the road" oil pressure for an 8BA (80 lb pump) is 57 psi according to my 1953 "Motor Manual".This is the only place I have ever found even an unofficial specification for this. Of course, it is more a function of the relief spring than the pump itself.

i bought what was advertised as a 50lb sensor. but it pegged the needle at idle, so think it was actually the 80lb one. anyway, i tossed the old one back on and it sits just shy of pegging the gauge...proving that i didn't really need a new one in the first place, which i suspected.

and i now know way, WAY, more about the oil pressure monitoring system on this car than i cared to.