69 Oil Pressure Gauge

[mcharter]

Looking for input on 69 console oil pressure gauge issue.  I am using the correct plastic line from engine to gauge.  I have had the line break twice now, what a mess!  Probably cracked while doing  some other work on the engine.  Does anyone offer a metal replacement line or maybe an electric sending unit?  I suppose an electric sending unit would then need a new gauge, which I would like to match the current gauge.  Anyway, suggestions to prevent another oil bath would be appreciated.

[Gramps69Z]

If installed and routed correctly the plastic line is what should be used. A metal line will flex with vibration and eventually break.

[68Zproject]

I've had the plastic line on my 68 Z for 3 years and never had a problem.

[JohnZ]

The original nylon line has been in my '69 Z/28 for 42 years and works just fine.

[bertfam]

John, you may have just given us the answer! If the original lines were nylon and the repops are plastic, therein lies the problem. Nylon has a much greater ability to bend and is less rigid than plastic, so maybe that's the reason I keep hearing about this issue.

Ed

[JohnZ]

John, you may have just given us the answer! If the original lines were nylon and the repops are plastic, therein lies the problem. Nylon has a much greater ability to bend and is less rigid than plastic, so maybe that's the reason I keep hearing about this issue.

Ed

I think everyone is talking about the same thing, and just calling the line "plastic"; technically, it's an Engineering-grade black nylon, but to most folks it's just "plastic".

[mcharter]

Thanks all for the responces.  The lines I have been using came from Ricks and are black in color so I am assuming from the above they were the nylon material.  In any case I have still had a couple of them break.  They were probably hit or nicked while doing some other work in the area.  They both broke in the engine compartment near the fitting they come out of.  Obviously I will use great care now doing anything in that area of the engine but would like to come up with something a little stronger.  Any ideas?

[Petes L48]

Maybe try Grainger or McMaster Carr for suitable tubing.  McMaster usually has good descriptions of the material and strength.  If not showing the car, you could just add a small length of braided sleeve or spring like you see used on some hoses for protection.

[ban617]

You could use copper line for the oil pressure

[Stingr69]

Problem with copper is that it is supposed to be subject to work hardening. The best bet is to purchase the better line kits. Some factory oil pressure guage lines were copper plated steel. See if you can get one of those.

-Mark.

[JohnZ]

Problem with copper is that it is supposed to be subject to work hardening. The best bet is to purchase the better line kits. Some factory oil pressure guage lines were copper plated steel. See if you can get one of those.

-Mark.

That's correct - DO NOT use copper tubing (GM didn't, for good reason); GM used either tinned steel tubing or copper-plated steel tubing for oil pressure lines when they used metal prior to the introduction of nylon tubing. Paragon has kits with the copper-plated steel lines and fittings.

[Mike S]

I ran a metal line back in my racing days and the only thing I found annoying was it telegraphed engine noises into the passenger compartment.

Mike

[69pace]

I don't trust the reproduction lines available, even the best one I saw for a Corvette.
I am in the process or converting the 69 factory oil pressure gauge face to an electric sender fed gauge.