Most guages doesn't work.

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Apr 29, 2012 | 03:19 PM

superdave269

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Most guages doesn't work.

We started a C3 that has been garaged for a few yrs and the oil pressure, battery, and clock do not work. Temp & fuel did..The oil pressure guage not working really surprised me. I have never had any issues with them before. No tapping so it's getting oil pressure. Any tips you guys can share?

Apr 29, 2012 | 03:27 PM

KenSny

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From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Sounds like a blown fuse.

Unless, of course critters have been chewing on the wires.

Apr 29, 2012 | 03:48 PM

superdave269

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I did check fuses they all seamed good. I did not look for any chewed up wires yet. Any other trouble shooting tips? Any ideas were I should go for a new clock? If I change the guts will it affect the hole original thing?

Apr 29, 2012 | 03:59 PM

Mike Ward

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Oil pressure gauge on a '73 is mechanical only.

Apr 29, 2012 | 04:24 PM

superdave269

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I assumed it was mechanical that's why I was surprised it doesn't work.

Apr 29, 2012 | 07:10 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

Either the pressure tubing or the inlet of the gauge is plugged up with solidified oil/gunk which won't pass the pressure. You can 'unplug' either, but you have to get the gauge/tubing to where you can work on them.

The early "battery" gauge is an ammeter. When all is 'good', the gauge should read "0". With engine OFF, turn on the headlights. If the ammeter needle drops below the "0" mark [indicating a discharge], the meter is working as expected. If no movement at all, it could a gauge or wiring problem.

The clock will have to be removed for repair. There are rebuild kits for the original clock mechanism; there are also quartz [electric] kits to swap out the clock 'guts' to make it like a modern (analog) clock.

Apr 29, 2012 | 07:33 PM

superdave269

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Thanks. I'll try to unclog the tube. The gas meter was clogged up from sitting too. The ampmeter should move if there is power on the wire so I should be able to tell if it's bad or not. It's always something!

Apr 30, 2012 | 03:18 PM

superdave269

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I spent some time on this today. The oil tube is not clogged up. Also the battery guage does have power on the wires as my test light did light up. I believe it's time for new guages.