Thread: How to wire oil gauge AND idiot light

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I want to install an oil pressure gauge and keep my idiot light intact for that occasion when my oil pressure takes a dive and I am not paying close attention to my gauge.

Question is, my copper tube (for the after market gauge) is supposed to get installed where my pressure sending unit was installed for the dash light. Is there another plug somewheres to allow both to be hooked up?

I have a MKIV block with 6272990 heads, filter on block (no oil cooler) if that helps. Thanks.
-Kevin

One way to do it is to install a brass TEE in the spot where the sender is now, and put both the idiot light sender and the new oil gauge line into the TEE. Standard hardware store brass pipe and tees of the correct size will do the trick. Don't use teflon tape on the threads, as it will insulate the sender and give it no ground.

Don

Theres another place to put your mechanical gauge if you have an older block. 65 should have it. faceing the engine above and to the right of the water pump below the intake is a 1/8" plug thats your oil presure after the cam not a bad place to check oil presure.

I am actually using an '88 MKIV block and would like to avoid using a t-fitting if at all possible. Charlie, I will have to check and see on the location you have identified. I know (well, I'm pretty sure) that there is on just around the corner from the location you have identified (just below the #1 exhaust) and I think that is where the stock sending unit gets inserted.

Is there another one somewhere such that it wouldnt stand out so much (i.e. not on the front of the engine) ?

I appreciate your input.

If you have a plug under #1 exhaust it is for water temp. If you have a newer block you won't have the oil plug up front. the only place is back by the distributor. If you don't want the tee back there you can run tubing to under the dash and put the tee there. Then put your electric presure switch and your mechical gauge there. Problem with that is if you get a leak .

Someone else also told me that there is a plug behind the distributor and I have not been able to find one. I do appreciate your help Charlie, Don. It is sounding like there is no getting away from the t-fitting. I assumed (you know what happens when ya do that) that with all of the plugs in that block that more than a few would be oil and not coolant passages.
Am I the only one out there with this problem?