Just noticed the oil pressure idiot light was not coming on at start up. Checked the sending unit by grounding the sending unit wire to the engine block and the idiot light did come on so, I think that means the sending unit is bad - not completing the circuit as it should.

Couple questions....

Since I'm going to replace it I'd like to put in an oil pressure guage (data addict). Anybody know the specs for an oil pressure guage on this car with the B21F engine? Any other info I should know for finding the correct pressure guage to use? I'm assuming the wires for the pressure guage would run directly from the sending unit through the firewall to the gauge?

Second question, looks like some of the wiring in the engine compartment is getting to be in bad shape, lots of brittle and lost insulation. I've worked on mechanical stuff for years, but have never changed a wiring harness (or much electrical). Is changing the wiring harness reasonably doable or does it take a pro with specialized tools? Maybe this is a question for a second post.

Thanks for any thoughts - love the forum!

- Jim

 

Just checked and ipd sells a replacement wiring harness for exactly the problem I described with deteriorating insulation. This has wires for the idiot light and pressure guage, but will the non-turbo car have a port in the harness connector for a guage? And a wire behind the insturment cluster?

 

Just to be sure, I would check the bulb in the dash if you haven't.

The oil pressure gauges for these car may need an adapter. Most gauge pickups use a tapered thread, I think these cars use a metric thread and a copper washer to seal. All the right adapters can be found.

 

Cool. Yeah, the light comes on when I short the circuit so, I know it's not that.

Good to know about the different threads, etc. - thanks. I'll definitely be aware of that when getting a replacement.

Still wondering though if there will be a place on the wiring harness to plug in the gauge wire or if that will have to go straight to the gauge through the firewall.