Where can you find these resistors? They have some fancy thing called "checker" in the FSM, but I've never seen one of these before. I have a multimeter, which is useless for this task. I tried checking last night, but realized I didn't have the correct tools.

 

Any standard resisters will work you can get at Radio Shack if you still have one near you. I'll check my stash and if I have the right ohms I'll send them to you.

There are a bunch of stores in Colorado. https://www.radioshack.com/apps/store-locator

If you can't find the exact size you can add the values by putting them is series OR divide the value by putting them in parallel.

22 Ohm https://www.radioshack.com/products/...ant=5717269701

47 Ohm https://www.radioshack.com/products/...ant=5717270597

 

Bought some resistors today at the electronic store. I could only find them in 100 ohm and 220 ohm, so that's what I got. Tested the 100 ohm ones with a multimeter and they read like 3,000 ohm or something ridiculous, the 220 ohm read correctly Connected to the connector and watched the gauge, after a few minutes it rose to ~15 psi of oil pressure. The FSM lists 30 psi for 205 ohm of resistance. So is that good / bad, I don't know. Drove the car again and was better able to observe. At idle the gauge reads ~15-20 psi which is within spec. At 3,000 rpm (and anything higher) it reads ~45-50 psi which is a fair bit below where it should be. My father thought I was being rediculous, because as I'm sure everyone knows the gauges are not overly accurate. I decided I'm just going to drive the car now, I don't think there is a real problem here.

I'm very frustrated though, because I expect to be able to rely on the accuracy of the gauge to ensure long engine life. Thinking about getting a different sender unit to check the pressure with. I really don't want to clutter up my dash with aftermarket gauges. I think it's as good as it's going to get though. Thoughts?

 

Accuracy is not nearly as important as reliability. As long as the gauge is functioning consistently it's telling you what you need to know. If it starts fluctuating that's when you need to pay more attention.

I think the diagnosis of an inaccurate 30 year old gauge is correct, but if you really need to calm your curiosity about this you will need to install a second aftermarket gauge.

I've never added the oil pressure gauge, so I can't say what is involved, but I did install a little single unit temp gauge under the dash, just above the accelerator pedal, It was easily visible but didn't intrude on the stock layout, which I agree should not be messed with.

 

I also think you're good. Like Ray says, 30 year old gauges are not always going to be correct.

If you really want to add some gauges, get a water temp and oil pressure. I like electrical gauges because of the easy of install. If you have the beehive oil cooler, get a oil pedestal sandwich to add the oil pressure. If you have the front mount oil cooler, get a oil pedestal that has the built in ports for the sensor. I think Racing Beat sells them.

For the water temp, you can go the simple route and get one of those upper radiator hose adapters. If you want to go all commando, you can alter the water pump neck or drill and tap the water pump housing.

 

Did you change the oil yet? It's hot out. Low oil pressure at warm temps=crap oil.

Seriously, give it a try.

 

I once had this problem with a crappy oil filter. It was no good. First and only filter I ever had a problem with. Did a oil change changed out the filter and oil pressure went back to normal. Not saying this is your problem but like stated change your oil and filter and see if it helps.

 

I'll post back once I change my oil, see what happens.

 

*never posted back*

I will say that a mechanical oil pressure gauge fit into the Racing Beat pedestal adapter is good peace of mind. I am having trouble getting oil pressure reading on the stock gauge. Sometimes the oil pressure works sometimes it drops to zero. But the Auto Meter gauge is fast and reliable.