Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
The engine oil pressure gauge monitors and displays an important engine operating parameter: engine oil pressure. There are...
Engine oil pressure gauges are available in several configurations, including those with mechanical and electrical senders, and digital and analog display versions.
Mechanical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Mechanical engine oil pressure gauges typically have a thin nylon or copper tube to transfer the engine oil pressure signal between the engine oil pressure sensing port and the engine oil pressure gauge. Some mechanical gauges are filled with mineral oil to help resist vibration and ensure smooth movement.
The photo at the right shows an example of a mechanical oil pressure gauge. The photos of these particular mechanical and electrical oil pressure gauges (from the Autometer C2 series), are nearly indistinguishable in the photos. The gauge faces, needs, body, etc., can all be the same -- it is simply the internal components driving the gauge needle or indicator that are different.
Electrical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Electrical engine oil pressure gauges have a pressure transducer that converts the engine oil pressure signal from the engine oil pressure sensing port to an electrical signal (typically a voltage signal) that the electrical engine oil pressure gauge can then display.
The photo at the right shows an example of a full sweep electrical oil pressure gauge.
Advantages of Mechanical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge vs. Electrical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
The mechanical engine oil pressure gauge is typically simpler than the electrical version. The mechanical engine oil pressure gauge of course does not require electricity to operate, so it can continue to read even after the ignition is switched off, and it can work in race vehicles that might not have a battery or electrical system. The mechanical engine oil pressure gauge may be more accurate than the electrical engine oil pressure gauges.
Advantages of Electrical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge vs. Mechanical Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
The electrical engine oil pressure gauge is often easier to install than the mechanical version, because there is no delicate nylon or copper tube to route into the passenger compartment. The electrical engine oil pressure gauge does require some amount of wiring, namely power, ground, and connection to the oil pressure sender. Some gauges also include a backlight wire that can be connected to the vehicle parking light circuit to provide lighting in dim conditions.
Read more about engine oil pressure, why it is important, what is a good engine oil pressure, etc.
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