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MG MGB Technical - Oil Pressure Transmitter

I have a rebuilt motor. Before I start it I want to make sure I have oil pressure. 1971 MGB. How can I electrically check the oil pressure transmitter switch and the oil pressure gauge to make sure they are functional without starting the engine?
rj horizon

Was it working before? Mike
J.M. Doust

It's better to substitute a mechanical oil pressure gauge, in this instance, to make sure you are getting oil pressure before you actually start the engine. Too many variables with the electrical sending unit and dash gauge. RAY
rjm RAY

Ray, the car sat in a shed for 23 years. Not sure what did or did not work.

I am going to fit a mechanical gauge to be safe. I cant get the dash gauge to trip electrically.
rj horizon

You won't get the electric gauge to read without pressure, for obvious reasons, same as a mechanical for that matter. They went back from electric to mechanical in 72 but AFAIK stayed the same appearance and mounting wise, so should be relatively easy to source. You can always check the pressure with any old mechanical instrument until you are happy with the pressure the engine is putting out, then try the electric if you have problems getting the pukka mechanical. Unfortunately with the 4-cylinder it is a matter of spinning the engine on the starter, plug out, with heart in mouth until pressure registers no matter what you use.
PaulH Solihull

RJ,


For oil pressure light switch it cost less than $10 to replace it or a swap from a '70 Chevy 250 C.I.: switch parts by Standard PS12T for less than $5.

Cheers,

Jean G.

Jean Guy Catford

Light switch isn't the same as the gauge sender, which is what the MGB had.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2012 and 11/01/2012

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