[Healeys] Oscillating oil pressure needle

[Michael Salter]

Yes, I'm sure that Steve is absolutely correct and believe that the theory
is that the combination of the air in the line and the small hole in the
adaptor on the block produces a "compressible column" between the engine
oil gallery and the gauge which, although it makes the gauge a little
slower to react, serves to dampen any oscillation caused by the oil pump or
the relief valve.
Bleeding the gauge line, although because of the changing
characteristics of the column may change the situation, would not normally
aid in dampening the gauge.

M

On Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM sbyers--- via Healeys <
healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:

> During my return from Conclave 2008 in  San  Diego, my oil pressure gauge
> needle began oscillating.   Investigating behind the dash, I saw a drop
> of oil hanging on the oil pressure line nut.  I surmised that the nut had
> loosened and the oil pressure had pushed out any air in the line that could
> dampen pressure pulses.  I disconnected the line from the gauge and then
> reconnected it.  Problem solved.  Hasn’t happened since.
>
>
>
> Steve Byers
>
> HBJ8L/36666
>
> BJ8 Registry
>
> AHCA Delegate at Large
>
> Havelock, NC  USA
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> *On Behalf Of *Richard
> Antal via Healeys
> *Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 5:42 PM
> *To:* Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* [Healeys] Oscillating oil pressure needle
>
>
>
> Fellow Healeyphiles,
>
>      Today my '65 BJ8 showed a rapidly oscillating oil pressure needle
> whether at idle or at speed. Oil level normal says the dipstick. The oil
> pump probably has 130K of use. Is this new finding a harbinger of worse
> things to come? Need I do anything about it? Thanks for any advice offered.
>
> Rich Antal
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