73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Instrumentation => Topic started by: kbw87 on January 31, 2010, 11:38:21 pm
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I've got an 87' with an oil pressure gauge that is pegged all the way to the right. Does anyone know if this is a sensor issue or gauge?
Thanks
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Most likely the sending unit behind the distributor on the drivers side has gone bad. Or it has come unplugged and is grounding itself out causing the gauge to peg itself.
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does it do this with the key on or off? if it stays pegged out it would be the gauge if it does this when you turn the key on it should be the sending unit
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I once had this problem on my 84 C-10, and the problem was caused by dirt, sludge, in the sending unit.
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check the connection at the sending unit first.
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I was assuming the sending unit was the sensor that threads directly into the block. I did pull this wire and check the connection to and no luck.
The gauge stays pegged to the right key on/key off.
I haven't pulled the dash panel off yet to check anything with the gauge yet. Maybe i'll pull the gauge then.
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Did you check the oil pressure switch or the oil pressure sending unit?
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going with vile it almost sounds like you just said you tested the switch on the side of the block the sending unit is in the intake manifold behind the distributor
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I broke the connector on my sending unit while doing a tune up. it stays pegged all the way to the right at about 2:00. I'd get a new sender.
an 87 has 2 oil psi sensors. It's the big soup can looking one by the oil filter is for the gauge. On the older trucks the big can shaped one is up by the intake.
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/87%20R10%20Stuff/Fresh400ciSB003.jpg)
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Good pic - great info.
I didn't realize there was 2 sensors. I had only been looking by the exhaust manifold. My gauge is in that 2:00 position as well. I will check the connection first thing tomorrow and start there.
Thanks for the help guys.
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Don't mean to butt in here, but which one would you hook up a mechanical guage to? IE Autometer?
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A mechanical gauge would require you to run a direct line from any oil gallery tap.
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most time with mechanical gauge people just remove the sending unit but the distr. and replace it with the hose and fittings the gauge comes with
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I TEE'd into the one on the citation. Figured I'd do that. but didn't know which one would be better or if I can just remove one or the other and tap in...
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Don't mean to butt in here, but which one would you hook up a mechanical guage to? IE Autometer?
I always hook up mechanical oil gauges to the one by the distributor just because its closest to the firewall, but furthest away from exhaust manifolds or steering shafts.
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I have the same problem with mine! I replaced the unit by the distributer. The one by exhaust manifold is disconnected and I do not know where to reconnect anyone have a wiring diagram? I started pulling the dash cluster last night but if I dont have to even go that route I would prefer(old plastic). Although plastic Epoxy sure is great..lol
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What gauges do you have. Stock or after market
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Stock. I figured it out. The tan wire was disconnected from the oil sender by the passenger side manifold. I pulled the dash to see what wire were to what. The tan wire was severed behind the distributor. Ordered the wire last night and will install next week. While I was at it I noticed most of the bulbs were blown so I ordered the 168 led's in blue these leds have 5 diodes on them so it should look pretty slick. Ill post a pick when I have it all operating correctly. Now I just have to figure out why my high beams are not working. I thought the switch for them was on the floor board but it isnt, and the wand on the left side of the steering wheel has alot of play towards the dash and back, so I suspect thats my culprit.
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I have the same problem on my 84 with a stock gauge but I already replaced the unit and have the same results? Any suggestions?
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Could be wires on the circuit board or the gauge. take the dash apart inspect the circuit board if no problems replace gauge
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I had to replace the gauge cluster and I remember the circuit board being good, no problems to the eye! It will peg out the gauge every time you connect it to the sending unit, the circuit is ok and the sensor is new so I am guessing the gauge could be faulty?
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Just to clarify for lurkers having issues, the sender is in the block. The sensor is behind the distributor. I see people getting them crossed all the time when asking questions, thinking they are the same part.
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I'm not saying you guys were, I'm just saying . I did it when I first started tinkering. ;D
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Hold on, nevermind. I havent had coffee. I was thinking about coolant. I'll shut up now. ::)
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I had to replace the gauge cluster and I remember the circuit board being good, no problems to the eye! It will peg out the gauge every time you connect it to the sending unit, the circuit is ok and the sensor is new so I am guessing the gauge could be faulty?
Are you connecting to an oil pressure sending unit or oil pressure switch? Try another sending unit.
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Ditto. Thats what I was trying to say :D
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Change out the sending unit, happened to mine now it's working fine. When you take it of shake it if u hear anything loose its bad. When putting on the new one don't over tight.
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lol i forgot about this post since its three years old, but good to know if anyone else has this problem