80 series oil pressure guage problem

And perhaps start the engine...ha ha

Steve
I only recently bought the car, the guage has not worked since i bought it - so i'm not sure.

Thanks andrew
sounds like that could be the problem - but as for not looking at it, i'd like some prior warning of potentially fatal engine damage! Think i may get an aftermarket gauge.
Twigiee

If you want, i have a spare gauge from an old dash you are welcome to try with your new sender.
If you go aftermarket, make sure you put it where you can see it whilst driving, or look for one of the buzzer type low water/oil, etc alarms.
Andrew

Thanks for your offer Andrew,
However, your info about 'reading low if not at all' has got me thinking...
( hope your electrically minded!) I'm going to measure the resistance range which both the sender unit and guage (using a pot) operate. If the guage is actually reading low, then installing a resistor (of correct value) in parallel across the sender unit and earth should re-calibrate the gauge such that it operates within the correct range. I will also check that the current running oil pressure is ok (with a temporary gauge).

I reckon this is easier said than done - I'll let you know what happens. Failing that, i may take you up on the gauge offer.

Cheers,
Twigiee

I've since checked the resistances of both the gauge and sender unit. The gauge was responding to around 26 - 30 ohms, whereas the sender unit was producing only a 35ohm resistance. I played around with various resistors of around between 50 and 200 ohms in parallel with the sender unit and settled on a 82 ohm 5 watt resistor, which makes the gauge read about right. I hope i've actually got the correct oil pressure - i haven't checked it yet.

Twigiee