How to route oil pressure gauge line?

[Ikestaa]

AN line is numbered in 16ths of an inch. So, -3 is 3/16 and -4 is 4/16. This is the ID of the tube. All of the fittings are different sizes for different sized line. You can certainly use -4, but it is not necessary to have a line that flows that much, since it is really not flowing anything at all once the motor is started. I'll make a list of every part we used if you want to use it.

-3 Speed Flex line (not sure on length)
-3 straight hose ends (2)
-3 to gauge adaptor (1)
-3 to 1/8NPT adaptor (1)
Fire Guard shielding (again, not sure on length)

[PatBuckley]

I would recommend AGAINST using -4 line for the reasons stated.

[Chaplin]

Thanks guys for the info (and education). Now I have exchange the -4 for a -3.

[Chaplin]

Ok here's a follow up question for Rick, Ike, Pat or anyone else that has (had) an ERA. How big of a hole did you drill in the firewall to run the oil pressure line?

The directions that came with the braided steel line said to drill a 3/4 inch diameter hole and then install the supplied grommet, but 3/4 of an inch seems like an awfully big hole to me.

Thanks,
Mike

[PatBuckley]

Find a grommet with an ID that matches your line - then drill a hole in the firewall that matches the OD of the grommet. OD in this case referring to the outside diameter of the groove in the grommet. If there are two close choices go for the smaller of the two.

Have fun.

Pat

[CobERA]

Mike,

I did not drill another hole. I found that I was able to pass the line through the existing hole on the left side of the firewall. It was a little tight, but it went through.

By the way, my hookup seems to be working fine with no delay in the readings. I may one day shorten the run and go directly down from the intake manifold, but I want my fingers to heal completely from the puncture wounds inflicted by the stainless steel wire ends.

[Chaplin]

Thanks guys for the quick responses.
Rick, I looked at your pics and I'm not sure if I have a hole in the same place that you ran your line through- I'll look when I get home. If so, that makes it easy, if not then I'm going with Pat's advice and will look for the smallest grommet that will fit.

Rick, what kind of holddowns did you use to secure the line to the footbox? From the pics it almost looks the the clips for a cable tv wire.

Also, one more quick question. Do you need to bleed the air out of the oil pressure line to get the gauge to work properly?

thanks again,
Mike

[CobERA]

Mike,

You should have a hole there, as I think all ERA's are set up that way.

The clips are indeed just cable clips.

I did not bleed air out of the line and can't recall any instructions that said to do so, but now that you mention it, it seems like a good idea. Nevertheless, my gauge seems to be responding fine.

Good-luck and by the way, you have a great looking car!

I've had mine on the road for a couple of weeks and it is a blast to drive. You've got to be prepared to do the "stop and chat", however. Lot's of questions, but that is part of the fun.

[Mr.Fixit]

Why the really long line? Go straight up off the filter assy, across the driver's side of the intake (secured with clips to valve cover bolts) and straight back through firewall. Shorter line=faster gauge response. And it looks cleaner too not having a line snake all over the engine bay. Use -3, not copper tubing or the nylon line.

[CobERA]

Mr. FixIt,

I just got carried away. I do intend to shorten it.

It's just not a good project unless you do things over two or three times.

[Chaplin]

Rick-
It's not a project at all unless you do it two or three times. If you did it once and did it right it wouldn't be a project. When was the last time you heard someone do something once and say "Wow, that was quite a project."

Mr. Fixit-
Have you ever bled the air out an oil pressure line?