215 Engine Block Port for Oil Pressure Gauge?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by hbferrariguy123, Jul 2, 2018.

  1. hbferrariguy123

    hbferrariguy123 Active Member

    I have an electronic oil pressure gauge on my 215 Buick engine which is indicating a maximum of 20 psi of pressure. I want to temporarily install a mechanical gauge to see if it will give me an accurate reading of oil pressure, at least I'm hoping the gauge is the cause for the low pressure reading! Where on the block is a port/plug/outlet I can install the fitting for a gauge? Thanks so much! Lou
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Install it in the same place as the electric sender. If you want both to work, install a brass fitting tee.
     
  3. hbferrariguy123

    hbferrariguy123 Active Member

    The current gauge sender is installed in the oil pump adapter block where the inlet and outlet hoses attach which is of course mounted to the oil pump. If I install it there the reading would be the pump pressure not somewhere in the oil line/passages/galley. Is there a outlet or plug on the engine block/cylinder head I can use?
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I am not as familiar with the 215 engine as I am with the 67 and up 350 and 455. On those engines, the oil pressure port is on the block right above the oil filter, just behind the timing cover parting line. The only other place to get oil pressure readings would be the rear of the engine on either side of the cam tunnel. There are plugs for the left and right oil galleys. Lots of guys get their pressure readings from there by installing a fitting in place of the galley plug. Oil pressure can be lower at the rear of the engine because of the front mounted oil pump, and pressure bleed off at the bearings depending on bearing clearances. To get to the galley plugs require removing the transmission and flex plate.
     
  5. hbferrariguy123

    hbferrariguy123 Active Member

    I just had a thought... if the sending unit is installed into the adapter block and is reading OK, low but OK, why can't I screw in a mechanical gauge in it's place just to see if the mechanical gauge would in fact read a higher pressure? Sure it'll be high 'cause it'll be reading pump pressure but it would at least tell me the electronic gauge or sender is at fault.
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    That was my suggestion in the first place:). You could also use a brass fitting to run both gauges and do a direct comparison.

    OilPressTee2.jpg
     
  7. hbferrariguy123

    hbferrariguy123 Active Member

    Larry, thanks for your assistance. I thought by putting the mechanical gauge on the pump it would indicate the pressure at the pump and not represent the pressure through out the oiling system. What the heck was I thinking? That's where the sender is now! OK, done deal. I'll go out and buy a mechanical gauge, screw it in where the sender is and see if it provides a higher reading. Gees, I hope so!
    Thanks again!
    Lou
     

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