Oil Pressure Guage

[pthomas]

I have 1 390FE. Where is the correct place to connect my oil line for the oil guage (mechanical)? Also the Aviaid sump has two pipes in the front right corner, I believe one is for connection to the puke tank, can the other one be used to connect a oil temp guage (mechanical)?

TIA,
Peter.

[Bud Man]

Peter:

On the Aviaid, the inner right tube is, as you say, hooked up to the puke tank. The outer tube serves as the entrance for your oil dipstick.

Assuming you are using a remote oil filter and cooler, you should be using a block-off plate where the filter would normally reside. These plates have 3 orifices. The two large ones are for your oil lines inlet and outlet, and the smaller one that is located between the two is normally reserved for the oil pressure line fitting. The the hole for the normal location for the dipstick on the opposite side of the block is blocked off. I use a 3/8" oil gallery plug pressed in and sealed with silicone.

Hope this helps.

Cheerio,

Bud

[pthomas]

Cheers Bud for the prompt reply. This is a fantastic web site. I have just checked the blocking plate and yes it does have two large fittings and a small one for the oil guage pipe. The dipstick also enters the block near the blanking plate so I will blank off the one on the sump next to the connection for the puke tank.

Thanks,
Peter.

[Bud Man]

Peter:

I misspoke when I said the factory dipstick hole is on the opposite side of the block off plate. It is, in fact directly behind it. This is the orifice I would recommend installing the gallery plug in, and instead run your dipstick through the forward pipe on your Aviaid. Use a dipstick for a 454 Chevy, running a dual ended compression fitting from the dipstick housing to the oil pan pipe. You will find the length perfect for the pan you are using.

Bud

[pthomas]

Bud,
What is the reason for moving the dipstick to the other side and using the entry into the Aviaid sump? Also as part of my first question, can you help by advising where to take off for oil temperature guage?
I also have a further question about fuel pressure guage. I think it is bad practice to take the fuel line with petrol (gas) into the car so an isolator is required. Can you tell me who makes such an isolator or where I can get one?

Thanks,
Peter.

[Bud Man]

Peter:

My reason for moving the dipstick was 1) authenticity, and 2) the ability to get the accurate oil level reading afforded by using the Aviaid oil pipe. Blocking the original dipstick hole with a 3/8" plug is a clean and effective solution.

On the pressure gauge: An isolator is advisable. I used Mallory's unit and have had excellent results with it. AutoMeter makes one also, but I can't comment on it. If you have access to Summits catalog, the Mallory is Summit part # MAA-29806. It is made of billet aluminium, nicely crafted, and uses glycol as a medium.

I believe the Aviaid pan has a bung for the oil temperature gauge bourdon tube sending unit on the front of the pan across from the oil drain plug. Yes?

Hope this helps!!

Bud

[pthomas]

Thanks Bud, very helpful information. Just ordered the Mallory unit from Summit.
Peter.

[wtm442]

No matter where you locate the mechanical oil and gas pressure gauges, do NOT use the 1/8 inch plastic lines. They are very dangerous. Go get some metal tubing (usually nickel plated copper or even SS) and use instead of the plastic. I've seen the results when a plastic line breaks and it ain't pretty. Leave extra amount or make a small loop between engine and gauge to absorb vibration and/or engine rocking.