Oil pressure gauge?
Oil pressure gauge?
G'Day,
For quite some time I've been thinking about how I'd like to have more info, as a driver, of my SPRINT's oil pressure, than just a light that comes on when its probably too late. (3-5psi)
Seeing the nearby thread about old Smiths instruments got me thinking about.........
a) what a SPRINT's normal operating PSI is, so I can buy a suitable range gauge.
b) where to put it.
I'd be quite happy to mount a modern gauge in a bracket under the dash somewhere, but is there any problem with removing the clock and replacing it with a period correct Smiths gauge.....or are they different sizes. Anybody done this?
Cheers,
Rob
For quite some time I've been thinking about how I'd like to have more info, as a driver, of my SPRINT's oil pressure, than just a light that comes on when its probably too late. (3-5psi)
Seeing the nearby thread about old Smiths instruments got me thinking about.........
a) what a SPRINT's normal operating PSI is, so I can buy a suitable range gauge.
b) where to put it.
I'd be quite happy to mount a modern gauge in a bracket under the dash somewhere, but is there any problem with removing the clock and replacing it with a period correct Smiths gauge.....or are they different sizes. Anybody done this?
Cheers,
Rob
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Gidday mate, cracker of a day here today!
Here is my solution. I made myself a radio surround for the factory radio surround thing is simply not available here, and incorporated the gauge into the surround. I did think of swapping it out with one of the other gauges on the dash but I found that most of the time they are partly obscured either by the steering wheel or my hands on the wheel. Where I have it, it is visible all the time for you can see it through the bottom of the steering wheel at about the 7 o’clock position.
Oil pressure has been as high as 55psi on starting but runs normally at around the 30/35psi mark. I used a gauge which I just happened to have here.
Kiwi Rob
Here is my solution. I made myself a radio surround for the factory radio surround thing is simply not available here, and incorporated the gauge into the surround. I did think of swapping it out with one of the other gauges on the dash but I found that most of the time they are partly obscured either by the steering wheel or my hands on the wheel. Where I have it, it is visible all the time for you can see it through the bottom of the steering wheel at about the 7 o’clock position.
Oil pressure has been as high as 55psi on starting but runs normally at around the 30/35psi mark. I used a gauge which I just happened to have here.
Kiwi Rob
Re: Oil pressure gauge?
I placed the gauge just next to the steering column. I wanted the gauge near the existing ones. The place isn't perfect, spoke of the steering wheel blocks the view sometimes...
Gauge is a perfect match, Smiths and in the same layout as the other: lower half blanked off with the name and type on it, upper half with the standing pointer.
My 1850 runs near 50 psi when cold, lowering to 40 psi after heating up (10w60 synthetic).
And yes, those are ear protectors
Gauge is a perfect match, Smiths and in the same layout as the other: lower half blanked off with the name and type on it, upper half with the standing pointer.
My 1850 runs near 50 psi when cold, lowering to 40 psi after heating up (10w60 synthetic).
And yes, those are ear protectors

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- Mad Mart
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
The clock is 70mm. dia. where as the other gauges are 50mm.
In my Track Sprint I fitted a dual temp/oil pressure gauge where the original temp gauge was.

Normal oil pressure will be around 60psi.
In my Track Sprint I fitted a dual temp/oil pressure gauge where the original temp gauge was.

Normal oil pressure will be around 60psi.
Sprintless for the first time in 35+ years.
... Still Sprintless.
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2012 Porsche Boxster 981 S


Engines, Gearboxes, Overdrives etc. rebuilt. PM me.
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Gentlemen,
Thanks for your suggestions.
Henk,
Any suggestions as to where I can find a Smiths oil pressure gauge that matches the other Sprint gauges? All the ones I've been able to find have been otherwise.
I wear ear defenders on my ride on mower. But I'm impressed with the idea of having to use them in a Sprint.
Mart,
The dual gauge is something I hadn't thought of.
Cheers,
Rob
Thanks for your suggestions.
Henk,
Any suggestions as to where I can find a Smiths oil pressure gauge that matches the other Sprint gauges? All the ones I've been able to find have been otherwise.
I wear ear defenders on my ride on mower. But I'm impressed with the idea of having to use them in a Sprint.
Mart,
The dual gauge is something I hadn't thought of.
Cheers,
Rob
Re: Oil pressure gauge?
I looked at eBay for about 6 months before finding it. Here's one that quite looks like it, but not a 100% match (24V):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leyland-Truck ... Swd0BVwhsc
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leyland-Truck ... Swd0BVwhsc
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Mines in the same place as henks...
I used a oil pressure gauge from a late MGB - as it has the same "font" as the std guages in a sprint. So looks stock. Loads on ebay.
Runs 50-60psi when on the gas. At idle 20-25psi.
I used a oil pressure gauge from a late MGB - as it has the same "font" as the std guages in a sprint. So looks stock. Loads on ebay.
Runs 50-60psi when on the gas. At idle 20-25psi.
1976 Taihiti Sprint
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2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T Manual!!
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Gone but not forgotten 2008 BMW M5 (E61) Touring (George, as in Best, as it likes a Drink) to be replaced soon...... Epic epic car
- Toledo Man
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
I've had this given so I've decided that I'm going to fit it.

I've bought a mounting bracket and I plan to fit it to the right of the steering column. I just need to mount the bracket, secure the gauge to the bracket(need the nuts and the securing bracket needs some minor "fettling"), fit a T piece (I want to keep my oil warning light) and connect it all up.

I've bought a mounting bracket and I plan to fit it to the right of the steering column. I just need to mount the bracket, secure the gauge to the bracket(need the nuts and the securing bracket needs some minor "fettling"), fit a T piece (I want to keep my oil warning light) and connect it all up.
Toledo Man
West Yorkshire Area Organiser
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West Yorkshire Area Organiser
Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm at The Railway, 1 Birstall Lane, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1JJ
2003 Volvo XC90 D5 SE (PX53 OVZ - The daily driver)
2009 Mercedes-Benz W204 C200 CDI Sport (BJ58 NCV - The 2nd car)
1991 Toyota Celica GT (J481 ONB - a project car)
Former stable of SAY 414M (1974 Toledo), GRH 244D (1966 1300fwd), CDB 324L (1973 1500fwd), GGN 573J (1971 1500fwd), DCP 625S (1977 Dolomite 1300) & LCG 367N (1975 Dolomite Sprint), NYE 751L (1972 Dolomite 1850 auto) plus 5 Acclaims and that's just the Triumphs!
Check my blog at http://triumphtoledo.blogspot.com
My YouTube Channel with a bit of Dolomite content.
"There is only one way to avoid criticsm: Do nothing, say nothing and BE nothing." Aristotle
- Flyfisherman
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Rob
You could do a little bit of re-wiring and move the temp gauge to where the volt gauge is fitted (do away with the volt gauge) and fit the oil pressure gauge where the temp gauge used to be
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28506
Paul
You could do a little bit of re-wiring and move the temp gauge to where the volt gauge is fitted (do away with the volt gauge) and fit the oil pressure gauge where the temp gauge used to be
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28506
Paul
Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Gents,
thanks for your input on this. Its given me quite a few ideas and options to ponder.
Its a shame the clock is in a different size hole. In my opinion the thing is as useless as ***'s on a bull. Especially when it doesn't work. I'm not motivated in the slightest to fix it.
Yes I remember that post and I remember being really impressed with the quality of your work. WELL DONE by the way.
I guess that would be the ultimate set up, with an oil pressure gauge on the right hand side and away from the others. That way, if there is any difference in the style of the gauge its not going to stick out like a sore thumb.
Cheers,
Rob
thanks for your input on this. Its given me quite a few ideas and options to ponder.
Its a shame the clock is in a different size hole. In my opinion the thing is as useless as ***'s on a bull. Especially when it doesn't work. I'm not motivated in the slightest to fix it.
Paul,Flyfisherman wrote:Rob
You could do a little bit of re-wiring and move the temp gauge to where the volt gauge is fitted (do away with the volt gauge) and fit the oil pressure gauge where the temp gauge used to be
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28506
Paul
Yes I remember that post and I remember being really impressed with the quality of your work. WELL DONE by the way.
I guess that would be the ultimate set up, with an oil pressure gauge on the right hand side and away from the others. That way, if there is any difference in the style of the gauge its not going to stick out like a sore thumb.
Cheers,
Rob
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
My take on this is if you want a worry gauge then the MGB/midget dual gauge is the best, but it aint cheap and leaves you
with a hot oil supply behind the dash.
On readings, a healthy slant should be at the relief valve at much over 3k rpm - 60 PSI and if its less then it needs
attention - usually to the gauge. Idle you can go down to 20 ish hot with decent oil.
Jonners
with a hot oil supply behind the dash.
On readings, a healthy slant should be at the relief valve at much over 3k rpm - 60 PSI and if its less then it needs
attention - usually to the gauge. Idle you can go down to 20 ish hot with decent oil.
Jonners
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.
- Flyfisherman
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Re: Oil pressure gauge?
Sundowner wrote:Gents,
thanks for your input on this. Its given me quite a few ideas and options to ponder.
Its a shame the clock is in a different size hole. In my opinion the thing is as useless as ***'s on a bull. Especially when it doesn't work. I'm not motivated in the slightest to fix it.
Paul,Flyfisherman wrote:Rob
You could do a little bit of re-wiring and move the temp gauge to where the volt gauge is fitted (do away with the volt gauge) and fit the oil pressure gauge where the temp gauge used to be
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28506
Paul
Yes I remember that post and I remember being really impressed with the quality of your work. WELL DONE by the way.
I guess that would be the ultimate set up, with an oil pressure gauge on the right hand side and away from the others. That way, if there is any difference in the style of the gauge its not going to stick out like a sore thumb.
Cheers,
Rob
Rob
If you want the oil gauge to look the same ie layout as the other gauges you need one from a TR6.
https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl= ... MwgdKAAwAA
Paul
Re: Oil pressure gauge?
I had these made years ago and had it printed to stick them over the scales of smiths gauges to have the original look.
JeroenClassic Kabelboom Company. For all your wiring needs. http://www.classickabelboomcompany.com
Re: Oil pressure gauge?
The gauge you want to match the std gauges is a late 73 on TR6 gauge,I got mine from Rimmers,and reasonably priced!.
I have managed to fit mine in the std dash under the petrol gauge(mines an early sprint)Its a tight squeeze,and you have to cut out part of the metal behind the wood to clear the gauge,but it looks factory fitted,and not an after thought.Also the TR6 gauge lights up the correct colour when the lights are on,which is nice!
I have managed to fit mine in the std dash under the petrol gauge(mines an early sprint)Its a tight squeeze,and you have to cut out part of the metal behind the wood to clear the gauge,but it looks factory fitted,and not an after thought.Also the TR6 gauge lights up the correct colour when the lights are on,which is nice!