oil line to mechanical pressure guage

[SD_RED]

So, the Stewart warner mechanical guage set I bought comes with a plastic line to run from the oil pressure fitting to the guage. It's identical to the tiny plastic tubing you would run from the intake to a boost/vacum guage. Most of the mechanical guages I've heard of use a copper line for the oil pressure guage.

I'm wondering if anyone has ever installed one with this type of plastic line and what their experience was. It seems to me it might be more resistant to the kind of kinks and pinhole leaks/cracking that the copper lines are prone to, but on the other hand, keeping it routed away from the exhaust mani's would be a greater concern.

Thoughts?

[addicted]

Run the copper tube unless you like oil leaks. You can buy tubing kits at most parts stores.

[tgreese]

I have used both the plastic line (Stewart-Warner kit) and copper. The plastic line was fine, but I ran its entire length inside vacuum tubing, to protect it. I would not trust the naked plastic tubing - too vulnerable. And keep it away from the hot exhaust manifolds.

[SD_RED]

I have used both the plastic line (Stewart-Warner kit) and copper. The plastic line was fine, but I ran its entire length inside vacuum tubing, to protect it. I would not trust the naked plastic tubing - too vulnerable. And keep it away from the hot exhaust manifolds.

Yeah I was thinking of running in inside of the same kind of heat shielding you use for wiring and zip-tying it to the new wire harness since a leg of it runs right down there by the alternator.

[joe]

Use copper tube. Just make sure you've got a couple loops coiled into it especially at the gauge end. The loops will absorb vibrations. If not the copper will eventually work harden and crack at the fittings.

[tgreese]

BTW my latest Autometer OP gauge came with a plastic line, which I could not get to seal. Threw it away and bought their copper line kit. I added a stress loop, as suggested.

But the S-W plastic tube kit worked well.

[SD_RED]

So the overwhelming consensus is copper. Copper it is then. Thanks guys!

[Rich88]

I have used both the plastic line (Stewart-Warner kit) and copper. The plastic line was fine, but I ran its entire length inside vacuum tubing, to protect it. I would not trust the naked plastic tubing - too vulnerable. And keep it away from the hot exhaust manifolds.

X2. I used the plastic tubing provided and inserted into cable spiral wrap mentioned in another post.

Don't know how well the copper one lasted because I sold it a year afterwards. But yes, use anti-stress loops in strategic areas.

[Herk]

The plastic lines typically have a larger inner diameter, and will allow the gauge to fluctuate or "move" more, responding more quickly and accurately to actual engine oil pressure.

If you like to watch this sort of thing, you'll find the plastic line more entertaining. If you generally look out the windshield while you drive, you'll notice little difference.

I've had both types over the years, and had both leak.

[KJ Ryu]

My J10 came with one of those when I bought it. The gauge filled with oil, leaked, and almost caught my Jeep on fire. I have an electric sender, now. No oil through the firewall.

[REDONE]

The plastic lines typically have a larger inner diameter, and will allow the gauge to fluctuate or "move" more, responding more quickly and accurately to actual engine oil pressure.

If you like to watch this sort of thing, you'll find the plastic line more entertaining. If you generally look out the windshield while you drive, you'll notice little difference.

I've had both types over the years, and had both leak.

Yup! I currently have copper up to the firewall, then a union with nylon to the gauge. Neither leak...yet.

[autogatto]

Interesting topic. I've been running autometer gauges with plastic line on 4 different CJs (2 used for heavy offroad activities) and never had any sort of leakage, not even a drip.
Where do you guys have they leaks from?

[talntar]

Interesting topic. I've been running autometer gauges with plastic line on 4 different CJs (2 used for heavy offroad activities) and never had any sort of leakage, not even a drip.
Where do you guys have they leaks from?

x2 i have run both and never had a leak except when the plastic fell on the manifold.like has been said if running copper put some loops in it like whats on the brake lines at the master to absorb vibrations.

[talntar]

My J10 came with one of those when I bought it. The gauge filled with oil, leaked, and almost caught my Jeep on fire. I have an electric sender, now. No oil through the firewall.

electrics will never be as acurate imo.how did an oil leak in the cab almost start a fire?btw thats a sure sighn of a cheap gauge.

[SD_RED]

x2 i have run both and never had a leak except when the plastic fell on the manifold.like has been said if running copper put some loops in it like whats on the brake lines at the master to absorb vibrations.

Well now I am seeing a lot more support for the plastic lines.

I am curious now:
who has had the plastic lines actually leak now?
What brand?
How did you route the line?
Where did the leak occur?

Same ?'s to those who have had a copper line leak.

It's starting to sound like the greater variable is method of use, rather than copper vs. plastic.