An oil pressure gauge will notify you when the engine is running too low of an operating level, which could cause damage to the internal parts. A simple gauge is a cheap and easy solution that will give you peace of mind while driving your vehicle.
There are many reasons why you may want to install a pressure gauge in your car or truck. For example, a low oil level can lead to the engine overheating and possibly catastrophic engine failure. The gauge will inform you of this issue so you can take action before it is too late. Additionally, if you are planning on racing your car or truck and you are worried about the oil pressure dropping, a gauge will give you a way to keep an eye on it.
Most electric gauges are fairly simple for a DIY-mechanic to install. They come with all of the mounting panels and hardware needed to make the installation quick and easy. They use a sensor on your vehicle to monitor the actual oil pressure and then send this information to the gauge, which then displays it on the dashboard. The sensor can be mounted in a variety of places including the oil gallery test port, oil cooler or even an oil filter sandwich adapter (depending on your vehicle).
To install your new gauge first disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical mishaps. Then locate the oil pressure sender port located in the engine block. Clean the threads of this port using a rag and apply some Teflon tape to help prevent leakage. After this, attach the install oil pressure gauge sender included with your gauge to the port. Tighten securely but not over-tighten, then route the tubing from the gauge to the cabin of your vehicle. Be sure to run the tubing away from hot components or moving parts that can chafe or tear the line.
When you turn on your vehicle the gauge should begin to read pressure. You will need to periodically check the gauge to ensure it is functioning properly. If you notice it is reading incorrectly, you can calibrate it by adjusting the sensor on your vehicle. The sensor should have a resistance curve that goes down with increasing pressure and is approximately 200 ohms under no pressure and 40 ohms at 65 PSI. You can also purchase a pressure limiting valve that will shut off the gauge if the process pressure gets too high.
The main reason that people choose to install an oil pressure gauge is that it provides them with a more detailed view of their engine’s health than just a warning light. Having the actual oil pressure will let them know if they are losing oil quickly, which can indicate a failing bearing and need to be replaced. It will also allow them to keep an eye on their oil temperature so they can avoid overheating the engine.
While it is possible to add an oil pressure gauge to your vehicle without a sender sensor, this can be tricky and potentially dangerous. A bad sensor can be a serious safety risk and it is highly recommended that you use a GlowShift Oil Pressure Gauge with the included sender.