New Sending unit or aftermarket gauges.

[dec322]

My oil pressure gauge has randomly started to read pretty low (white mark above the red) if I have to sit for a long period of time. When I start going again it will raise up to the halfway point and hang out for a while. I've read that the stock gauges are horrible but I'm wondering if the gauges are bad or is the sending unit going bad. I don't want to spend my money on gauges and pods (rather spend it on gears and sound system) so I'm wondering if replacing the sending unit would help me out.

 

[jjd975]

Sending units are cheap, but a good oil pressure gauge is money well spent. The stock gauges are junk. A good gauge, a pod and some copper tube wont cost all that much. I say copper tube because I dont like the teflon stuff that comes with the gauge.

 

[GT_Rich]

Oil pressure, water temp, and a full length a-pillar pod from Summit for about $150. Would you rather know the real status of your engine, or hear your music louder?

 

[JBeezy53]

GT Rich makes a good point.

 

[HISSIN50]

Another vote for an oil pressure and water temp gauge at a min.

Good luck.

 

[89Notch]

yea, and like he said make sure you use copper or you have a good chance of getting oil all over your interior

 

[dec322]

Oil pressure, water temp, and a full length a-pillar pod from Summit for about $150. Would you rather know the real status of your engine, or hear your music louder?

Wow, I guess I never thought about it like this. I guess I'll be going with some gauges. But this still doesn't tell my why the stock gauges are so horrible. I would think the stock gauges would be fine....all they have to do is point....wouldn't it be the sending unit, not the gauges.

 

[HISSIN50]

The sender well might have lost some of its calibration (using the term loosely) but the simple matter is that the gauges are hysteretic by design. That's great for a new car and drivers who dont care, but enthusiasts arent so keen on it.

 

[jjd975]

The stock gauges really are that bad. Its very common to see your temp gauge go up at night when you turn your headlight ons. I know myself and several of my friends have noticed this.

You check it out some day. Once your car gets to operating temp, turn the lights on and watch your gauge.