MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - Sticky oil pressure gauge....

Hallo all: the oil pressure gauge in my YA is increasingly "sticky": it's very slow to show a reading after start-up and after switching off sticks at the pressure reading achieved. (There definitely is oil pressure, before you ask!) I suspect either a blockage in the line to the gauge from the oil gallery or a failure in the gauge itself.
Does anyone know what threads are used on the oil line and the connection to the back of the gauge? I can rig up a test of the line and the gauge using an air pump if I can make the right connections.
Any suggestions welcome, of course!
Tim Griggs

Over time the oil in the line to the gauge looses the volatile components and slowly turns to bitumen, especially near the engine.

I would remove the line from the gauge and the engine and flush it out with degreaser or kerosine.

If it's still sticky, the gauge unit itself will need a service, which is a bigger job. As a short term fix you might try injecting a little kero into the gauge to thin the old oil.

Most oil lines to the gauge have a short rubber section where it goes through the firewall - check this is not swollen/blocked.

Good Luck

Tony
The Classic Workshop
A L SLATTERY

Thanks Tony - that helpfully confirms the way I was thinking. As the oil line to the gauge has been closed for about 30 years, I'll start with some degreaser there! I'll report back in due course....
Tim Griggs

Tim, if you hang the metal part up and play a flame over it the gunge should melt and drip out of the bottom.
Ian
ian thomson

Tim, I like your question about the thread size(s) on the gauge and on the supply pipe, as it's always handy to be able to rig up a substitute gauge. I'll be following with interest. John.
J P Hall

Timely question as I will be doing the same service on my oil pipe as I am about to convert from fixed metal pipes to flexi-pipes from John Seim https://abingdonspares.com/products/mg-tc-oil-pipes-improved-flexible-line-set

Paul
Paul Barrow

Completely dismantled all my oil pressure pipes yesterday and now soaking them in kerosene while I commence search to replace the 1/8" ID flexible pipe with oil resistant yet pliable rubber for all 4 1/8 inches of it!
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2024 and 11/11/2024

MG MG Y Type index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MG Y Type BBS now