C3 needs help

[LIRacer]

I need some help concerning the oil pressure control line that sends oil into the oil pressure gauge in the center console. While working on installing a new clock, I broke the oil line right at the fitting. It looks like the line that broke off and is still on the fitting should slide off and then the remaining line simply slip over it the fitting nipple, but it doesnt want to move and I don't want to damage the fitting. Is this fitting an integral part of the line, and I should replace the entire line from the engine to the gauge cluster? Or am I correct and I should somehow remove the broken line off the nipple?

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[69MyWay]

You need to replace the line. If it broke that easy, imagine how much easier it could snap somewhere else and dump 200 plus degree oil at 50 psi all over the back of your dash and legs!!!!!!!!!

It is being difficult because the plastic has been mashed into shape at the fitting.

You can check with the speed shop or hardware store for fresh line and new ferrell/compression ends to hook it up.

www.summitracing.com or 1-800-230-3030 may have a complete oil line in stock and ready to ship.

If it was me.....I would repalce the oil and Amp gauge with new black faced gauges that use an electric signal and sender as well as a volt gauge instead of Amps. Save the old ones if you ever "sell" the car. This will cost you about $60 for the two new gauges and give you more accurate, safer info than the current stuff you have.

 

[LIRacer]

Thank you very much. I gathered I'd have to replace th entire line. The gauges that you mentioned, Where would I get them? Same place as the line?

Bruce Dalis

 

[69MyWay]

Bruce,

You can get 2 1/8" gauges from Summit Racing, or just about anywhere. Autometer makes a great line of black faced gauges as well as VDO, Sunpro, and a host of other companies. The trick is getting black faced so that they match very close to your stock gauges with electrical senders so you don't have that oil line running through the dash.

Of course, simply putting a new oil line on will solve your problems for many years to come.

If you do the aftermarket gauges, please note that you will have to get into some custom fabrication to get them to look right. This is because they will come with a a glass face, where your stock gauges use a large plate of plastic that creates the glass cover for all five at one time. You will end up haveing to either remove the glass from the after market, or dremel away the stock plastic/glass cover off where the new gauges will be exposed.

Good luck!

 

[GaryS]

As I read this, all you broke was the line going to back of the oil pressure gauge. So there is still s tiny stub of the line connected to the compression fitting, which is then screwed onto the back of the oil pressure gauge? If this is the case, this is a very simple fix. If memory serves me right, the screw on connection is a 5/16" compression nut. It may have never been off but should remove fairly easily.

Every parts house that I have done business with has a universal kit that will allow you to make your own line and connect it back to the oil gauge without any difficulty. The kit is usually a white plastic line with the compression fittins and all the required hardware. Simply cut the plastic line to the appropriate length (remember: measure twice - cut once!) and attach the compression fittings. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes if the center cluster is already out.
Gary

 

[LIRacer]

All you 'vette guys are the best, thanks for all the help!!!

 

[Stingray6974]

Chris and Gary are both correct. Regardless of what route you take, replace the line.

Mike

 

[LIRacer]

Ok, next question. I have the assembly manual and the shop drawings for the entire car. I can't seem to see where the oil line enters the engine. I havent actually checked back for it yet on the car, but I using my time in the office to start planning it out. I ourchased the line and fittings from Paragon. Anyone have a procedure?

 

[Stingray6974]

It attaches to the engine behind the intake just left of the distributor. Be careful. All the fittings are brass and they will break easily.

Mike

 

[LIRacer]

I'm learning THAT the hard way!!!!!

LOL

 

[LIRacer]

I got into looking for the fitting and it was exactly where Mike said it would be, sans oil pressure line. Apparently, when I removed the gauge cluster, there was absolutely no play and it pulled out of the engine block fitting. It's a good thing I noticed the broken line yesterday under the dash or else I would have been ****ing oil everywhere!