The opening in the block is 1/4 NPT, sending unit is 1/8 NPT. You need a conversion bushing.https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/440017-131280
Hmm,strange.Our local speedshop sells both 1/4 and 1/8 sending unit.Possible someone used the 1/4 direct in the block?
Most of the gauge sending units are 1/8 NPT, hence the bushing. You can use the one that goes into the block directly, but you should be using a REAL oil pressure gauge on any Buick engine IMHO.
Idiot lights light up when it's too late. What they are letting you know is you will be soon on the shoulder, dead in the water, if you are not already. They don't allow you to see when something is out of the norm and possibly heading south. Aftermarket gauges allow you to relax and drive, cuz with just a glance occasionally , you can be assured that all is well. ....Jim
Today the oil lamp lighted up.Stopped the car direct and checked the oil level,OK. No noice or rattle.Drove about 150 miles and it was as usual.The lamp still lights red.So my thoughts it is the senderunit. Shouldn`t the car sound like hell from the lifters if the oilpump was broken?
You took a big chance driving it with the oil lamp on. Yes, if your oil pressure is that low, the engine should have been making noise. Maybe just the sender, or the wire to the sender is grounded somewhere. The point is that you should have a gauge so you know what the oil pressure actually is.
My gauge on our 464 just went from 25psi idle to about 12, had good pressure on top end. Pic is what we found in the filter
Larry I'm getting ready to purchase and install gauges on my SunCoupe. Do all oil pressure lines come plastic? or would something else be better? Do I need the trio of gauges? Or just water and oil
The Autometer mechanical oil pressure gauges come with plastic lines. Either go with copper lines or braided lines. Water and oil are the most important, up to you whether you get the Voltmeter.
Thanks Larry I really didn't want to use the plastic tubing anyway. OP sender is by the oil pump? Can I remove the vacuum switch in the intake for the water temp? What's the wires connecting to it for?
Go for the GUSTO. Stay away from the plastic stuff on anything that gets remotely warm or has any kinda pressure behind it. I did use plastic on the vacuum line... How many guys change out ( every few years) the water lines to the washing machine? ws
OP sender is above the oil filter, on the block right behind the timing cover parting line. The vacuum switch is part of the transmission controlled spark advance system, an emissions device. I would eliminate it completely. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/gauges.197307/
When I installed the Autometer gauges in my car, they also sold a braided stainless line for it. The appropriate adapters came in the gauge kit; I added a T fitting to keep a stock operating dash light setup. After reading the great advice Larry has given many of the members of this board, there was no reason to choose any other brand, or to use anything less than the most robust components. Money well spent.
Today we hooked up a MECHANICAL gauge and the oil pressure is 4.5 kg. Used a convert list and that would be 64psi(cold motor).And the idiot lamp is not showing red light.
