Where Is the Oil Pressure Sending Unit Located...

[pitbulllady]

On a 1961 Lark 259 V8 engine? I am going to install two aftermarket gauges, one for oil pressure and one for water temp, in my '61 Cruiser, since I do not really trust the accuracy of the old original gauges or lights. The water temp reading tends to show high, just to the right of that little black bar in the center, even though the engine does not seem overheated and there's no reason for it to do so, unless the thermostat is bad. I know the speedometer reads a bit high, so it wouldn't be surprising if that didn't, as well. In any case, I'm going to put in two electronic gauges. I found the sending unit for the water temp, but can't find the one for the oil pressure, so I'd appreciate some pointers on just where to find that elusive little devil!

pitbulllady

[Dick Steinkamp]

There is no sending unit. It is a mechanical gauge (generally quite accurate). There is a rubber tube that connects to an oil galley at the rear of the passenger side head. A copper tube connects to that and runs to the gauge. I'd put a T there and run both the electric and the original mechanical. Same with the water temp...except I'd probably port the new sending unit into the front of the other head (you can do the same with the new oil pressure sending unit if you don't have an oil filter). Then you can see how your original gauges perform and maybe even do away with the new ones at some point when you get confidence in the original ones. If you keep the stock oil pressure gauge hooked up, replace the rubber hose. It is a known failure point...messy and potentially fatal to the engine if it goes.

[JDP]

The sending unit for the idiot light is on the right rear of the head(passenger side), or the left front.

JDP/Maryland

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by JDP

The sending unit for the idiot light is on the right rear of the head(passenger side), or the left front.

Whoops...you're right. A 61 has in idiot light. The little sending unit is in the same place the rubber tube was in an earlier car.

[N8N]

yep, I'd get a brass tee fitting and keep the idiot light sender just to catch your attention if Bad Things happen. Should be 1/8" NPT. Or depending on how you run the hose for the new gauge it might be easier to pick it up from the same location on the driver's side head, but be careful of interference with the throttle linkage.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[barnlark]

Originally posted by Dick Steinkamp
"Then you can see how your original gauges perform and maybe even do away with the new ones at some point when you get confidence in the original ones."

I have acquired a set of small (2-1/4") SW greenline gauges and a vintage nos SW under dash panel for them. I have the idiot light gauges in my '60 as well and while they may be close to accurate, mine act just like Pitbulllady's in function. A more accurate reading takes the guessing (re:stress) out for me when traveling the longer distances.
These are all great tips for installation, mine are mechanical, but Dick, I sense that you are not a fan of the extra, under dash gauges. I am pretty sure that they were offered as an option for the 59-61 Larks and maybe later, but are they considered inappropriate by most stock fans?

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by barnlark
Dick, I sense that you are not a fan of the extra, under dash gauges. I am pretty sure that they were offered as an option for the 59-61 Larks and maybe later, but are they considered inappropriate by most stock fans?

Well, I'm hardly a stock fan , but you are correct...I'm not big on the tacked on stuff. Gauges are a good idea (especially in conjunction with idiot lights) for peace of mind, but like tissue dispensers, fender skirts, and dual aerials, I could do without them.

[Allan Songer]

quote:Originally posted by Dick Steinkamp

quote:Originally posted by barnlark
Dick, I sense that you are not a fan of the extra, under dash gauges. I am pretty sure that they were offered as an option for the 59-61 Larks and maybe later, but are they considered inappropriate by most stock fans?

Well, I'm hardly a stock fan , but you are correct...I'm not big on the tacked on stuff. Gauges are a good idea (especially in conjunction with idiot lights) for peace of mind, but like tissue dispensers, fender skirts, and dual aerials, I could do without them.

Speaking of guages . . .

I too am retrofitting SW Greenline gauges, but rather than "tacking them on," I am fitting them in the original bezel--they fit like they are SUPPOSED to be there! I am also adding a steering column mounted SW Greenline tach in a chrome cup.

I just couldn't abide by the those funky '56 gauges. I am keeping the original speedo, however!