Oil pressure gauge...

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 19:15

Why does it jump straigh to the end of the gauge as soon as a turn the igntion on (not even start engine)...

whats the most likely culprets for this behaviour? a short somewhere?

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 21:24

Check the wire connection at the sender. If this comes off the gauge defaults to maximum.

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 21:48

Yup - the "plug" that attaches to the sensor (hidden under the airbox but just visible through the gap between the carbs) tends to come loose over time and results in infinite oil pressure.

It happened to me during the Beaujolais run as I was passing a "spirited" DB5 - there are some photos linked from the thread in November where I posted a plea for help.

Best bet is to squeeze the "plug" so it grips a bit tighter before putting it back on. Be careful though - it's in a part of the loom that also has wiring for the starter solenoid in it - if you aren't careful, you may dislodge that when you reattach the sender wire (go on - guess how I know...)

mds666 · Post by **mds666** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 22:04

you have probably knocked it off as you were plaing with your starter...

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 22:07

I take it back - the thread was after Callander :

http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2075

(but it jumped off in France too)

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:53

amarshall wrote: Best bet is to squeeze the "plug" so it grips a bit tighter before putting it back on. Be careful though - it's in a part of the loom that also has wiring for the starter solenoid in it - if you aren't careful, you may dislodge that when you reattach the sender wire (go on - guess how I know...)

that explains it...
have just had all the start motor solenoid connections off... that could well be it

probably my own fault then!

(anyone got a pic with the location pointed out (chris

)

chris knowles · Post by **chris knowles** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:16

Ha ha ha "Chris the picture floozie - takes pics of everything whether it warrants it or not".

Yeah - when I get home I'll see if I can dig one out!

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 16:06

not that i expect nice pretty pictures or anything from you these days Chris

chris knowles · Post by **chris knowles** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 22:19

I think I am being thick....

Is this a HC thing only? I can see the union connection of my '83 LC engine (marked in red) that takes the pipe to the oil gauge in the dash, but no electrical connections of any kind....

Can some kind soul take this pic and mark where Oz needs to point his pliers? I can't find it in the manual either?

And yes, that engine had sat for some time before I got hold of it!

Chris

mds666 · Post by **mds666** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 03:46

its only the VDO gagues that have the electrical sender... your smiths gague has a direct feed of high pressure oil fed into the cabin...

chris knowles · Post by **chris knowles** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:18

Ahhhh.... thanks!

Surely the blocks are similar enough for some one to screendump the pic above onto thier PC and mark in Photoshop/paint where the plug is for Oz?

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:52

Picture of sender connection taken looking down between the carbs.

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 15:04

Yep mines the VDO elec version, and is an LC engine... (with HC exhaust!)
cant seem to work out why its still not working (oil pressure at max whenever key in an ignition on (with or without engine)...
Have taken it off and put it back, seems to connect ok...

where to check next?

Oz

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 21:06

I have a vague recollection of there being two terminals on the sender, but only one right one...

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 21:26

You are right Angus - two terminals- you can just see in the picture.
The one closest to the bulkhead is the one connected on mine and it seems to work fine.