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Re: slow oil guages

To: sol <british-cars@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: slow oil guages
From: Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.wyvern.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Mar 1994 00:17:16 -0500 (EST)
> 
> Anyway after installing the clear line, I started the engine and saw that oil
> was moving up the oil line with 2 secs of starting the engine. the pressure 
> light took about 5 secs to go out, but the guage does not register any 
> movement for about the first 20 secs (this was last week when the weather 
> was around the freezing mark.)
> 
> Strangely after letting the car sit overnight, the oil line is empty of oil,
> so it takes a while for the oil to actually reach the guage.
> 

If the oil emptied out of the gauge tube, then you either have an air leak
at the gauge, or you didn't bleed the air out of the line when installing
the new tube. From the description, I would expect the later. This is a sealed
hydraulic system, just like brakes. And just like brakes, any air in the
fluid column will make things fuzzy and sluggish. To bleed the line, have the
engine slow idling cold, wrap a rag around the fitting on the back of the 
gauge, and barely break the fitting loose. Close the fitting 3-5 seconds 
after the line appears full of oil.

> So to all those who don't see their guage move for several seconds after the
> engine has started - don't worry about it !!!
> 

 I would say to definately worry about it. At least until you prove whether
it's a bad gauge or an engine fault. I've seen several MG's that really took
20 or more seconds to register oil pressure due to incorrect engine assembly.

> Gerry

  Randy
    randy@taylor.wyvern.com



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