All you need is a pipe elbow. Get it off the exhaust.

 

Hey mad max, What eng. small or big block?
Sounds like big block, I ran an 1/8 pipe elbow to clear headers on my 71.

 

Max, do your self a favor and buy a braided line kit. If your ever going to run the car @ the track plastic is illegal. Besides if it burns thru while your driving you won't know about it till the car is in flames or in the guard rail from the oil on your tires.

[This message has been edited by racer1320 (edited 02-06-2000).]

 

I hooked my oil pressure guage to the fitting on the back of the block. I would trash the plastic tube.

 

Back of the block??
Mine is hooked up right above the oil filter.
Is there another place on the motor to hook it up? Can I go to a hardware store for the 1/8 elbow or can I get this at a auto parts store?

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Tom
Southern,IL
67SS Yellow right now
Member #409

 

On the drivers side by the distributor... Until you reach back there and get in close you'll think it in the intake!
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madmax:
Back of the block??
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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...DjD
69 Ragtop

 

There isnt a pressure line in the back by dist on big block eng. only on left hand side of block. older, pre 90 something big blocks oil galley is along left side of block just above oil pan sealing surface. you can tap oil pressure line any where in that galley. most recommended place is just above oil filter, or in front, right next to timing cover. newer big blocks oil galley is in the middle of block just like the small blocks. some small blocks have oil line provision in the front of block just above timing cover, but not all, I dont know why.

 

I'm with racer on this one. Get RID of that nylon line. Get a braided line or a copper line. Do you really want HOT OIL running to your dash through a plastic tube?!?!? Not I said the pig!

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Better Late than Never Fred
Team Chevelle #400
If you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes...
The '70

 

Well...

Autometer is a reputable company selling quality stuff, and they probably wouldn't like to be in court about product liability, so there's probably a good reason why they include a nylon oil pressure line. Nylon is pretty tough stuff, but it melts at a lower temperature than copper.

Copper doesn't have much resistance to metal fatigue, so with some "working" or vibration it will crack or break too. If i was doin' it, I'd use the stuff that came with the gauge and protect it good from heat and sharp/rough edges that might damage it (same goes for copper). Instructions probably mention that.

Just my $0.02

 

Get rid of the plastic at all costs. Seen a car burn up beause of the same thing. Braided is the best but I have had no problem with copper. I think the reason the plastic always come with guages is a cost factor for the manufacturer.

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Steve

 

Here's a good question for the braided line crowd. Where do you buy a kit to do the braided line? A Brand name easily found in Canada would be nice.

I'm just putting the engine in my car (SB in Impala). It has a copper line that comes through the dash right above the fitting on the engine. I'm a little worried that the motor moving will flex the copper at the coupling and break it where it is already weakened by the compression ferrule.

Peter

 

If you have enough copper line, take a piece of pipe (inch to inch and half) and wrap the copper line around it 4 or 5 times. Then slide the pipe out. This should give it enough flex for movement if you do this fairly close to your compression fitting.

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JamesT
Member # 350
70 Mist Green SS 454

 

Clearly, the braided or copper is best, but the nylon works well. It's a very thick line. Knucklehead-itis is the main cause of failure. You route the line so it clears eveything and use a grommet at the firewall to prevent chafing.

I bought the elbow at my local Carquest for $1.50 and a spool of stainless braided jacket for $4.00. I ran the line through the braided jacket for looks and insurance. Again, careful at the firewall, use a grommet. Also, I used a BMitchell loop on the firewall to route the line.

Again, if the line needs replacing, is frayed or quite old, replace with copper. Otherwise, you can do it my way and route it properly and securly. You'll never have a problem.

 

James;

Good idea. I'll probably do that.

I was thinking back and when I changed the motor in my Beaumont, I pulled the oil pressure guage right off of the dash before the plastic line broke. I think it permanently stretched the line by about a foot. The plastic actually is very tough. Since the Impala has the copper, I'll just re-use it though.

Peter

 

I bought my braided oil pressure line from the same speed shop that sold me my liquid filled guages. Autometer makes the braided oil line in several different lengths. If I remember right, the length I bought was 6', and was $65 back in 1992.
Rick
'68 SS 427
'66 Yenko
"A little is never enough. Too much is just right"

[This message has been edited by YenkoYS100 (edited 02-14-2000).]

 

I had a fortunate incident regarding my oil sending nylon tube. I was adjusting timing on my '68 Chevelle, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a geyser of oil shooting up and splashing against the bottom of my open hood! Black gold, Texas tea! I immediately ran to shut the engine off. What had happened was that the nylon tubing "popped" off it's seat and hold down nut. Thank goodness that it occured in my garage! I can only imagine the horrors that would have befallen me if it occurred out on the streets. I think that I have a guardian angel watching over me and my Chevelle, as most of my serious problems have occurred in my garage or close by to home, (U-joints, electrical smolderings, oil pump stem breakage etc...) Thanks for all the info guys.

 

All I did to protect the nylon line on my pressure guage was put rubber vacuum line over the nylon line. Protects the nylon from rubbing through and breaking, ect.

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*Justin*
69 Chevelle SS
96 Corvette (Tricked out of course!!)

 

Only thing I can add is that I run 1/4" line, more responsive, especially when starting on a cold morning (if you drive in winter). Also, use a tee and run the idiot light too, if you have a sudden pressure drop you are more likely to see that than the guage drop. There's a reason the roundy round guys have a big red light in their line of sight.

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OrrieG
64 Malibu HT Survivor
Gold Member #171

 

Get a 2" piece od 1/4" copper pipe and a "T" fitting and run BOTH the oil guage and an "Idiot" light. Also get rid of the nylon line.