Installation of Oil Pressure Gauge … Looking for Advice
 

Considering installing an oil pressure gauge, and specifically looking for advice on installing the pressure sensor that comes with these gauges. I've seen reference to use of a tee-fitting to allow coupling of the OEM sensor and aftermarket sensor to the port that normally houses the OEM sensor. I recognize that the fitting needs to have the correct thread size and type to accommodate both sensors. My concern relates to a warning in the instructions that come with the Defi oil pressure gauge that indicates that the sensor should not be installed near the oil pump or to the OEM pressure switch directly since "the pressure pulsation is too big and could exceed three times full-scale momentarily" … which evidently could damage the sensor. I'm not sure what is meant by installing the sensor directly to the pressure switch … and whether or not use of the tee-fitting would qualify in this regard. I'd be interested in knowing whether anyone that has used a tee-fitting has experienced problems with either the sensor or gauge that could be related to the above warning. The instructions suggest using an optional sensor plate that is installed between the oil filter and filter housing that the sensor screws into … but I'm not sure there's enough room for such a plate since my Z (2013) is equipped with the factory oil cooler that already takes up space. Anyway, looking for input/advice for anyone with experience in installing oil pressure gauges and any lessons learned. Thanks!

I think the warning is saying do not wire the factory sending unit to the Defi gauge. I have a Defi CR series oil pressure gauge. The Defi sending unit in mounted to a "T" near/with the factory oil pressure sending unit. No issues to date.

Hey Galeforce … thanks for the input. How long have you been running with the Defi CR gauge (months/miles)? In the original DIY "sticky" posting by Spearfish, he evidently starting seeing wonky readings from an AEM gauge after 18 months. The problem was traced to the sensor transducer that AEM offered wears out fairly quickly. Not sure if this also applies to other makes. I'd like to avoid installing a gauge that requires replacement of the sensor every 1-2 years.

I've had the gauge installed for 2+ years. But, my car is not daily driven, and it get's stored in the winter. I have roughly 10k miles of use with it.

Thanks for this. Good to know.