Oil pressure gauge options - 2500S

[llessur]

I'm gradually approaching the tail end of my engine rebuild (yes, it's been around a year now - I blame having kids) and would like to fit an oil pressure gauge to my 2500S so that I can keep an eye of what's going on in there. I'd be interested in hearing what other people have done in this respect.

What are benefits of a mechanical gauge vs electric? My gut feeling is that I'd be fairly keen to avoid a mechanical one as it's one more (very inconvenient) place for oil to leak from but lots of people use them. Are they cheaper, more plentiful or just better?

I'm contemplating robbing an electric gauge and sender from a Jag XJ6 as they seem to be fairly plentiful in breakers yards over here. I think these only go up to 80psi - will this be enough?

Otherwise I can buy a new Smith's dual water temp/oil pressure gauge and replace the existing water temp gauge currently sits. As far as I can tell these are all mechanical oil pressure gauges.

Any thoughts or suggestions re the above would be welcome

[Nigel Clark]

I've always had mechanical oil pressure gauges on my classics.  A retro fit Smiths gauge, adaptor and plastic pipe bought from the Club Shop 20 years ago on my GT6,  and factory fit mechanical gauges on my TR6 and Scimitar GTE. None have given trouble. There is an aftermarket stainless braided pipe available from Scimitar specialists but I never felt the need to fit one. 

Mechanical gauges are simple to fit and, in my experience, they are reliable. 

Nigel

[Peter Truman]

4 hours ago, llessur said:

I'm contemplating robbing an electric gauge and sender from a Jag XJ6 as they seem to be fairly plentiful in breakers yards over here. I think these only go up to 80psi - will this be enough?

I had a Series 3 XJ6 Jag in the early 80's with the electronic Oil Pressure Gauge, gauge was OK but I had problems with the sender unit, I had 3 units over 6 years I think water ingress or condensation  was their failing, eventually the lads in our M&E Maintenance Dept found a suitable & reliable replacement, but don't ask me which one?

[dougbgt6]

1 hour ago, Nigel Clark said:

There is an aftermarket stainless braided pipe available from Scimitar specialists but I never felt the need to fit one.

I’ve a mechanical gauge, it’s never been a problem, but after 40 years I noticed the plastic pipe was very brittle. Contemplating what might happen if it splits or punctures, I fitted a stainless braided job, £10 off EBay. 

Doug

[68vitesse]

Fitted an electric Tim oil guage to my Vitesse as it seemed simpler, bulky end on the mechanical guage pipe to get through bulkhead and less potential for leaks.

Regards

Paul

[Clive]

My only comment is to by a matched setup if electronic. And a decent brand. I can imagine some senders are not well calibrated.

[68vitesse]

The Tim came as a kit sender and guage, don't know how accurate not that bothered as long as the readings don't change.

Regards

Paul

[llessur]

Thanks all, some good points there. I might have a sneaky look over the Jaguar zone in my local breakers (they're really organised over here) and see what I can find, otherwise I'll have to bite the bullet and buy new. Still not sure if I can be faffed with mechanical as installation would take a lot more than an electric one. I'll gauge (no pun intended) my motivation levels on the day...