The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

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

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

I like that Robert.
Thanks for posting.
Cheers,
Rob

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

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.

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

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

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'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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I had these made years ago and had it printed to stick them over the scales of smiths gauges to have the original look. Jeroen

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!