14 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

I have a smiths oil pressure gauge, which i will "plumb" in tomorrow. 

 

A couple of questions….

 

I have a this T piece https://www.minispar...OA.aspx|Back to

 

Question 1 - I know this goes into the block, but to i screw it straight in (it has no washer), won't it leak?

 

Question 2 - does the existing oil pressure sender for the dash warning lamp fit into the side or the end of the above part? maybe it doesn't matter? Again won't this leak, do i need some PTFE tape on the threads?

 

I also have this adapter - https://www.minispar...TP.aspx|Back to

 

Question 3 - I assume the larger end fits into the T piece.

 

Question 4 - So that leaves the smaller end. it comes with a small fibre washer, is that enough to seal it to the pipe?

 

And finally, Question 5 - i don't have a fibre washer for the gauge end of the pipe, should i use some PTFE tape?

 

Well it turned onto more than a couple of questions. 

[Oldskoolcool]

Hi mate,

In answer to your questions.

1,screw it straight in, it's a taper thread so should seal up without any problems. You can use a single wrap of PTFE tape just to sure if you feel the need.

2,oil pressure switch should be in the end.

3,yes , large end in the T-Piece.

4.yes, that should be fine.

5, it's up to you, but it should seal without PTFE.

Hope that helps.

[dklawson]

My answers differ a bit from those above.

 

Question 1 - I know this goes into the block, but to i screw it straight in (it has no washer), won't it leak?

Straight in, use PTFE (Teflon) tape.

 

Question 2 - does the existing oil pressure sender for the dash warning lamp fit into the side or the end of the above part? maybe it doesn't matter? Again won't this leak, do i need some PTFE tape on the threads?

I have no particular advice.  Base this on the size of the switch and fittings.  Use PTFE tape.

 

I also have this adapter - https://www.minispar...TP.aspx|Back to

Question 3 - I assume the larger end fits into the T piece.

Large threaded end into the T

 

Question 4 - So that leaves the smaller end. it comes with a small fibre washer, is that enough to seal it to the pipe?

Complicated answer which ties to question #5.  The ORIGINAL Smiths gauge installation plumbing uses that little fiber as a face seal.  You can see a little boss on the small end of the fitting you are asking about, the fiber washer rests there.  The Smiths oil line has a flat face flange on the end of the tube.  The nut on the oil line threads onto the fitting and squishes the fiber washer between the two flat faces to make the seal.  No tape needed.  The same fiber washer was used on the other end of the oil line where it connects to the back of the gauge.

 

And finally, Question 5 - i don't have a fibre washer for the gauge end of the pipe, should i use some PTFE tape?

See the answer to #4 above.  Now examine the oil line kit you plan on using.  If it was MADE specifically for Smiths gauges, it should have the flat face ends on the tubing that will require the fiber washers.  If you did NOT buy a kit dedicated to Smiths gauge (like a generic nylon or copper tubing kit), those use 1/8 NPT pipe fittings, not fittings that use the fiber washers.  If you have a generic gauge line kit that does not use the fiber washers, use PTFE tape on BOTH the back of the gauge AND the fitting threaded into the T piece.

 

First Picture = general plumbing layout.

Second Picture = Modern, replacement Smiths oil gauge line with (2) fiber washers.

Third Picture = Generic copper oil line kit.  Assorted NPT threaded compression fittings without fiber washers (use TPFE tape)

 

 

 

Edited by dklawson, 06 March 2015 - 09:27 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

Superb! thanks guys! 

 

I have a goodridge braided pipe. 

 

 

I will try and source a washer, if not i will use it on the gauge side of the fitting, with some tape for a belt and braces approach. 

[nicklouse]

Not a fan of routing that way on the T piece due to positioning problems.

Fit the T piece first and then decide on where the pipe and sensor go.

[Spider]

I'll just add that if you are going to use PTFE Tape, be very careful, where this screws in is the Main Oil Galley. Be 110% certain that none of your PTFE Tape ends up in the Gallery.

 

Personally, I clean all the threads and assemble dry, of if it gives trouble a dab of low grade Loctite doe the trick, no chance of having something go in the Gallery then.

[dklawson]

I hear your concern on the PTFE tape.  In industry I generally do not use it for that reason.  However, in general the filaments/threads of Teflon typically are not created during assembly but during disassembly.  I spend more time carefully cleaning fittings when I take them apart then worrying during assembly.

 

There are Loctite grades (like -569) that are made specifically for pipe fitting assembly.  However, I have never seen those grades at my local car parts store.  As such, when I have decided to NOT use PTFE tape, I have used other sealants on the threads (like pipe dope from the DIY store, Permatex 2B gasket sealer, or even Hylomar).  I never assemble tapered pipe threads without some form of sealant.  Also, if I am using a non-Smiths specific oil line kit, the fittings are typically NPT (tapered) while the threads on the back of the gauge are straight.  Therefore, I use the PTFE tape as it can fill the wider gaps between the mismatched threads.

[minisilverbullet]

Excellent guys, I will do this tomorrow! And report back. 

 

Should be 12 degrees and sunshine here in Sweden. 

[nicklouse]

Excellent guys, I will do this tomorrow! And report back. 
 
Should be 12 degrees and sunshine here in Sweden.

Summer weather then.

[minisilverbullet]

 

Excellent guys, I will do this tomorrow! And report back. 
 
Should be 12 degrees and sunshine here in Sweden.

Summer weather then.

 

It is a bit mad! it was around 2 degrees today, but hopefully the weather man is right. 

[nicklouse]

 

 

Excellent guys, I will do this tomorrow! And report back. 
 
Should be 12 degrees and sunshine here in Sweden.

Summer weather then.

 

It is a bit mad! it was around 2 degrees today, but hopefully the weather man is right. 

 

http://www.thelocal....day-of-the-year

 

madness, in 2009 and there was snow on the ground at Easter. (or was that 2008? i forget).

[minisilverbullet]

Update: this went without a hitch, many thanks to all who contributed 

[RooBoonix]

I know this is a little off topic but what type of Goodridge hose do you have? Got a model number?

Reason I ask is because I have a copper pipe at the moment and it works fine but it looks horrible and I have a soft spot for braided hoses

Cam.

[minisilverbullet]

I know this is a little off topic but what type of Goodridge hose do you have? Got a model number?

Reason I ask is because I have a copper pipe at the moment and it works fine but it looks horrible and I have a soft spot for braided hoses

Cam.

No problem, I bought it from good old minispares  - C-AHT9

[RooBoonix]

 

I know this is a little off topic but what type of Goodridge hose do you have? Got a model number?

Reason I ask is because I have a copper pipe at the moment and it works fine but it looks horrible and I have a soft spot for braided hoses

Cam.

No problem, I bought it from good old minispares  - C-AHT9

 

 

Thanks for that I've added it to my saved basket

 

Cam.