Ruptured oil pressure line
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Ruptured oil pressure line
Driving my '69 coupe the other day I noticed a distinct drop in the oil pressure...not pegged at "0" but very low. Drove home (a short distance) and checked the oil level on the dip stick. Had very recently changed the oil. Found the carpets in the car were soaked with oil. Oil pressure line from engine to gauge had ruptured. Ever have that happen? Oh well, no engine damage and I intended for one of my winter projects to be new carpeting. BTW, checked the oil pressure at the engine with an oil pressure gauge (after adding oil) and it was 25# to 50#depending on RPM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 55,
Did the line actually rupture someplace along it's length, or did it fracture at the connection to the gauge?
Either way, too bad about your carpet, but better that than engine problems!
Regards,
Alan
Did the line actually rupture someplace along it's length, or did it fracture at the connection to the gauge?
Either way, too bad about your carpet, but better that than engine problems!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
Not unusual for this to happen. Happened to me fairly soon after I bought my '73 but the line broke in the engine compartment. I had just started the car and was warming the engine up before going cruising. I kept hearing a weird noise but couldn't figure it out. Left the garage and as I was coming to the stop sign at the end of the block, realized I had zip for oil pressure. Eased back to the house and found a huge puddle of oil in the middle of my garage floor. 
I wouldn't go back with the factory plastic hose. They tended to fail with age even before China started making them. Auto Meter makes a stainless braided hose that will work well for a replacement or you might do what I did and visit a local speed shop for a nitrous hose and fittings. Gave me some peace of mind until I eventually replaced all the gauges with new Auto Meters and went electric on the oil pressure gauge.
DC
I wouldn't go back with the factory plastic hose. They tended to fail with age even before China started making them. Auto Meter makes a stainless braided hose that will work well for a replacement or you might do what I did and visit a local speed shop for a nitrous hose and fittings. Gave me some peace of mind until I eventually replaced all the gauges with new Auto Meters and went electric on the oil pressure gauge.
DC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
oil pressure line
I intend to give thought to the type and construction of the replacement. Right now my Vette is being painted after my other unfortunate instance of the "key job" some adam henry did to both sides of the car.
On a somewhat related note: Years ago when I was still flying light aircraft I took off one morning and as I was climbing out and about to make my first turn out I checked the gauges and found the oil pressure low and falling. Declared an emergency and was able to make a 180 and land. Found that there was a hole in the accessory case where the mags mount. An nut that had not been safetied had come loose and lodged between a gear and the accessory case resulting in a hole. Almost had to replace the fabric in the seat.
On a somewhat related note: Years ago when I was still flying light aircraft I took off one morning and as I was climbing out and about to make my first turn out I checked the gauges and found the oil pressure low and falling. Declared an emergency and was able to make a 180 and land. Found that there was a hole in the accessory case where the mags mount. An nut that had not been safetied had come loose and lodged between a gear and the accessory case resulting in a hole. Almost had to replace the fabric in the seat.
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
This happened to me this weekend as well. I installed a new cd player and speakers in the car and I guess when I put the gauge bezel back in place the oil pressure line broke off. So I go for a cruise and oil is coming from the passenger dash pad like a waterfall. Needless to say my carpet is ruined as well. 
I will be installing a new oil pressure line as soon as the shipment comes in so if anyone has any installation pictures or advice I would appreciate it as well.
I will be installing a new oil pressure line as soon as the shipment comes in so if anyone has any installation pictures or advice I would appreciate it as well.
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