'89 C1500 - how to install aftermarket oil pressure gauge?

[bgc99]

Hi,
My oil press. gauge is malfunctioning. The shop was going to install a new sending unit but when they did the gauge continued to exhibit erratic movements, so they unplugged the new sending unit and discovered that the gauge was continuing to move all over the place even when unplugged from the sending unit.

The shop manager suggested installing an aftermarket oil pressure gauge, because a replacement instrument panel would be very expensive.

Can anyone help with what type of gauge I would need to get and how exactly I'd go about installing it? There was also a mention of the possibility that the sending unit might also send info to the computer or fuel pump, is that a consideration on an '89?

Also, does anyone know if there is a seperate sensor for the low oil pressure light?

Thanks,
BGC

[quaddriver]

Typically the sending units are as follows: the cylindrical unit on the back/top of the motor in the tap behind the intake are for the fuel pump, and the gauge sending unit is on the oil filter boss.

Typically this second location gets baked by the exhaust and the sender reads low/no oil pressure.

If this sender sends a low signal, the 'check gauges' light also should come on. it sounds however that you have a shorted gauge itself.

I would recommend a 'SunPro' gauge (its whats in my chevy) - they are really good quality for the money spent. It will have plastic tubing, encase the portion of the tubing that runs near the exhaust in 3/16" brake line and wire tie it from touching the manifolds.

[broughy84]

Check on ebay if you want to go with a whole new gauge cluster. I got a new cluster complete with gauges, speedo and odometer for less than 40. Good luck!

[broughy84]

I went to ebay...here is a new pressure gauge for cheap

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...481015427&rd=1