which is better?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
which is better?
Well my pressure oil line started leaking AGAIN right behind the oil pressure gauge!
..I changed the fittings before this summer and no problems.
This time I caught it in time before the mess....
my question:
-should I replace the line with the plastic kit ones
-or try again with new fittings?
I dont know how reliable these things are and Im about to put new carpet in the car....I dont want to worry about it leaking ever again!
Thoughts?
..I changed the fittings before this summer and no problems.This time I caught it in time before the mess....
my question:
-should I replace the line with the plastic kit ones
-or try again with new fittings?
I dont know how reliable these things are and Im about to put new carpet in the car....I dont want to worry about it leaking ever again!
Thoughts?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
I was not aware that the line from the block to the gauge cluster was copper?
On my 72 only the short length near the exhaust manifold is copper then it transitions to plastic.
Knowing just "how tight" to tighten those ferrules is really difficult to explain. The copper is such a soft metal that the difference between under-tightening and over-torquing is small.
Unless you're absolutely sure you didn't already distort the ferrule I'd start all over again with all new pieces.
On my 72 only the short length near the exhaust manifold is copper then it transitions to plastic.
Knowing just "how tight" to tighten those ferrules is really difficult to explain. The copper is such a soft metal that the difference between under-tightening and over-torquing is small.
Unless you're absolutely sure you didn't already distort the ferrule I'd start all over again with all new pieces.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
You have to replace the compression fitting if you've taken it apart a few times and is the block its screwing into the correct fitting?
I've run copper fittings for years in my 4x4 67 Chevy truck with very hard use and never had it leak.
I've run copper fittings for years in my 4x4 67 Chevy truck with very hard use and never had it leak.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
Shortly after I bought my '73, my plastic oil line broke in the engine compartment. I lost most of my oil before I knew what was happening. I'd hate for it to have broken inside the cabin.
My first solution was to use a nitrous oxide hose. I had to source some fittings to get that to work but it worked very well. After I did that, I discovered Auto Meter makes a stainless braided hose that would have worked.
Since then I've converted to all gauges to Auto Meter and so mine is now electric.
DC
My first solution was to use a nitrous oxide hose. I had to source some fittings to get that to work but it worked very well. After I did that, I discovered Auto Meter makes a stainless braided hose that would have worked.
Since then I've converted to all gauges to Auto Meter and so mine is now electric.
DC
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Likes: 7,016
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Try to keep the mechanical gauge if you can, although an electric gauge could be adapted to look original as long as the needle had the same amount of swing.
I just checked the copper set-up on the project car I recently bought----the first sign of a drip--it gets re-done with nylon tubing.
You can get "heavy duty" nylon tubing and an adapter fitting for the back of the O/P gauge and one for the block.
Just make sure to keep the nylon line away from hot metal & sharp edges (same rule for copper)----it should last a couple generations (keep an extra piece of tubing & 2 o-rings which you'll never need) stashed in the car just in case.
I just checked the copper set-up on the project car I recently bought----the first sign of a drip--it gets re-done with nylon tubing.
You can get "heavy duty" nylon tubing and an adapter fitting for the back of the O/P gauge and one for the block.
Just make sure to keep the nylon line away from hot metal & sharp edges (same rule for copper)----it should last a couple generations (keep an extra piece of tubing & 2 o-rings which you'll never need) stashed in the car just in case.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
100%
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Most of the plastic/nylon line and will dry and crack from heat over time. Once a copper line is installed properly with a good ferrel and proper pressure to seat it, it will not leak unless recklessly disturbed. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Try to keep the mechanical gauge if you can, although an electric gauge could be adapted to look original as long as the needle had the same amount of swing.
I just checked the copper set-up on the project car I recently bought----the first sign of a drip--it gets re-done with nylon tubing.
You can get "heavy duty" nylon tubing and an adapter fitting for the back of the O/P gauge and one for the block.
Just make sure to keep the nylon line away from hot metal & sharp edges (same rule for copper)----it should last a couple generations (keep an extra piece of tubing & 2 o-rings which you'll never need) stashed in the car just in case.
I just checked the copper set-up on the project car I recently bought----the first sign of a drip--it gets re-done with nylon tubing.
You can get "heavy duty" nylon tubing and an adapter fitting for the back of the O/P gauge and one for the block.
Just make sure to keep the nylon line away from hot metal & sharp edges (same rule for copper)----it should last a couple generations (keep an extra piece of tubing & 2 o-rings which you'll never need) stashed in the car just in case.
Where should I look for an electric gauge?..and is it complicated to connect?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 698
Likes: 8
From: Stockholm Sweden
In 1974 the Corvettes got an electric oil pressure gauge.
You will find them on Ecklers and so on.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...ssure&x=23&y=6
You will find them on Ecklers and so on.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...ssure&x=23&y=6
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
In 1974 the Corvettes got an electric oil pressure gauge.
You will find them on Ecklers and so on.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...ssure&x=23&y=6
You will find them on Ecklers and so on.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...ssure&x=23&y=6
I have a 1973 Corvette...will the 1974 gauge and sender work for my application?