Nagging Thought re C2 Oil Gauge

[paul67]

Some things get into your psyche and just won't go away. One of mine is the C2 mechanical oil gauge. I have visions of the line breaking or the interior connection leaking resulting in a oil-soaked mess. My rugs and seats are virtually new and that is a restoration I do not care to repeat.

Is there a way to convert the stock gauge to an electrical unit as used in late-model C3s? Or is there a stock-looking replacement gauge with block sensor and wiring on the market?

 

[BarryK]

Paul

I don't pretend to know anything yet about the workings or operation of the oil gauge line, but if you are that concerned, why not just replace it? The original line has lasted now almost 40 years so a new one should keep you safe for longer than most of us are going to continue to be alive.

 

[paul67]

Barry,
You make a very good argument but I have to consider the Klutz factor (me) when I attempt to install a new line. I have several new gauges to install (bought last year) but haven't screwed up the courage to pull the cluster for that reason. I have a couple of minor projects planned for the spring (cluster is one) and that is the motivation for my query.

 

[BarryK]

Paul
I understand your concern but in all the various threads and posts I've read on here, CF, and the NCRS board I've yet to see one that mentioned either the line breaking and causing an oil spill in the passenger compartment nor one mentioning any problems with the line when the cluster was pulled.
Actually, now that I think of it, pulling the cluster shouldn't be a problem even with the gauge completely seperated off the line such as for replacement as long as you don't start the motor. There would be no pressure to have the oil leak out.

i'm sure someone with intimate knowledge of the workings of the line will chime in with more constructive advice for you - since I really don't have any.

 

[Kid_Again]

You may want to try Vintage Vette, Neil Russel, at 703.670.7489. There are a few places that escape me that advertise conversion of speedometers from mechanical to electronic so that you can use an electronic distributor. That may be a lead and hopefully someone will chime in and refresh my memory. Either that or search the net using those criteria.

I suppose there is always Roger's Clocks. I personally do not recommend him but others have had much better experiences with him than me.


Found a site (this from JohnZ) -> http://www.williamsons.com/

 

[Kid_Again]

I would add that you may have more important things to worry about than the oil line leaking but sometimes 'ya just gotta spend the money to get over it. BTDT.

I've taken a fair number of clusters out and not spilled one drop of oil. If you don't crossthread the fitting, it holds well. I've never crossthreaded a fitting and sometimes I work just a BIT too fast and live to regret it. If you're worried about the line itself, replacing it is easy and may help your piece of mind. Post the results of your search, interesting stuff.

 

[BarryK]

Paul

I got an email from Bill Bradley in Va. regarding your oil pressure line to the gauge. If you don't know Bill he is a very knowledgable NCRS judge (Mark VNV knows him well).

The original SB oil pressure lines from the motor to the gauge were constructed of cooper plated STEEL. Every aftermarket oil line he has seen are only copper. Copperwork hardens with the constant vibration and motion of the engine and will break down due to work hardening.

Based on his info, I'd say leave your current non-leaking line in place and don't replace it with a new one or you really might end up with the troubles you are concerned about.

 

[JohnZ]

I've been working on these things for 40+ years, and have never seen an oil pressure line fail - or leak at either end; I wouldn't be concerned about it. C1's were just copper, midyears and early C3's were copper-plated steel, then nylon, before they went to electrical in the mid-70's.

 

[paul67]

OK. Looks like Much Ado About Nothing. A case of if it works, don't fix it. Thanks everyone for the comments. I well let things be.

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

If you want a replacement to put in your worry bank, my C-1's master cylinder failed and leaked all down the linkage and pedal dripping onto the carpet. Apparently a few drops at a time for a month or so. Arghhhh!

 

[gmjunkie]

Paul

I don't pretend to know anything yet about the workings or operation of the oil gauge line, but if you are that concerned, why not just replace it? The original line has lasted now almost 40 years so a new one should keep you safe for longer than most of us are going to continue to be alive.

And if Org. it's Copper and will be there anouther 40 yr. Too!! as long as you dont kink it!! junk!!

 

[paul67]

Yes it's original. Not sure what you about JUNK. My car is far from it.

 

[JOliver]

Paul- It can be converted to electronic.
Email me
VetteInstruments@aol.com
Jason

 

[IH2LOSE]

Yes it's original. Not sure what you about JUNK. My car is far from it.

Paul the "junk" is what he end all of his post with ,look at his other post. He not saying your car is junk.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Yep. Larry is so right. GMJUNKIE always signs off as " junk".
Just a good 'ol boy. :gap

 

[paul67]

Thanks for the JUNK explanation. Jason, you have e-mail.

 

[Stinger66]

I must be the exception to the rule Paul. I've had my cluster out a few times over tha past 30 yrs or so. Reconnecting the oil pressure line has allways been a pain for my fat fingers. Especially if the dash is not pulled out. I have had the line crack at the fitting, pull out of the fitting, not crimp properly at the ferrell, ect..ect...The oil would run down the line and I would find the drops all over my pants leg or carpet.

It was by my own stupidity I know, but hey, stuff happens and truth be known, its happened to alot of C1 and C2 owners. Not that it will ever be a problem with yours.
That said, your fears are not farfetched in my opinion. If it gives you piece of mind then the electronic guage is the way to go, if it is available.
(BTW.. there was a thread here a couple weeks ago on a leaking oil guage/line and the proper fittings needed) Good Luck!!

 

[gmjunkie]

Thanks for the JUNK explanation.

Sorry for the Misunderstanding!! I can't think of a single Part about any Corvette that is Junk, Except a Holley Carburetor if so Equ.!! junk!!

 

[paul67]

Stinger,
I heard from Jason O. He has a conversion. I am thinking of it but have a few questions that I have yet to pose to him (I am thinking, as I do not understand the conversion completely). I'm getting the house and yard ready for winter and that is consuming my time. (Some 18 bags of leaf-blaster shredded maple leaves last week.) And now the Wife wants the bathroom re-done!..................................I just finished dry-walling the garage.

The 1967 has been in storage since mid-October so it's a low priority. But yes I remember some of those posts here or elsewhere. Those darn things do leak and spray at times!

My correspondence with Jason was private and confidential and I will not quote him without permission but he may wish to share his thoughts here. His solution at first glance is rather ingenious actually.