I have the gauges installed now, triple gauges (water temp, voltmeter, oil pressure), but I was wondering what should I be looking for on each of them. I did a search for this but really couldn't find anything. What should be normal for these? What is way too hot so that damage could be done? What would be low oil pressure? I have never had gauges like these before, but I want to learn what to look for. If someone could please help out or direct me somewhere to find out more I would appreciate it. Oh yeah, it is for a 400 ci in my 67. Thanks,
Here's what I see when my car is warm. Temp 180-190 depends on how hot it is outside. Oil pressure is 15 at idle @ 700 rpms and I usually see 38 when im cruising @ about 2800 rpms. If your seing at least 10-12 psi per 1000 rpm you should be fine. My voltage meter is @ 14.6 when the car is on and 12 when the car is off. Hope this helps.
if your getting a voltage reading when the car is off then doesnt that mean that the meter is sucking some power out of the battery, granted it may be a very small amount. o No:
I was wondering the same thing. It should read Zero when the key is off. Ivan, I think you need to retap your power feed to that guage to a switched source. Like the Radio. Just a thought....hope you feel better man.:TU:
What would be too hot? In other words, if I saw the gauge read "___" degrees, I had better pull over and let it cool down! This particular car had been sitting for 18 years so I am not sure how everything is flowing. Aside from changing radiator hoses and flushing the system (currently changing thermostat), I haven't done anything else. I just want to be safe. Hopefully Ivan meant the car off, but the key in the on position he is getting 12 volts! BTW Ivan, I hope you get to feeling better. Thanks,
i've run my car past 250 without damage (don't ask). i'd say 230 or so is a 'uh-oh' level, though. if you often run over 210, you might want to beef up the cooling system.
I took my car to Vegas once and my gauges got up to 240 and it started idleing rough. This was at midnight stuck in traffic on the strip. I used the bus the rest of the time I was there. The temp shouldn't go above 200 on a regular basis unless its really hot outside or your running the AC. I don't think you will hurt anything running up to 220, but no gauges are completely accurate so its hard to tell. Generally if I hear the engine pinging or running funny I know its time to turn it off.
