Morning guys, My '50 3100 (216) tired "Splasher" is being replaced With a fresh overhauled 235 Blue Flame.
My question is... (going from low to high pressure) What needs to be done to my Oil Pressure Gauge? Do I need a new sending unit? I do have a new (hi-press) Instrument Face to replace the "low" face. Thanks, Jim
There is no "sending unit"- - -the gauge reads pressure directly by a small-diameter tube to the gauge. You can get a gauge for a GMC dash cluster that has a max reading of 60 PSI, which is what most people do when going to the high pressure engines. Just changing the gauge face does not solve the problem- - -the needle will still max out, regardless of what's on the gauge face. Some of the "new" high pressure gauges offered by the resto-ripoff guys have problems with leaks and/or inaccurate readings- - - -probably made by some 12 year old kid in China! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
The '51 has had its original oil pressure gauge since grandpa put the first 235 in back in the 70's. It peggs it when the engine is cool, but as it warms up at idle it sits just above the 15# mark. It doesn't seem to be any worse for the wear.
-Tim '51 Chevy 3104 w/'56 235, 848 Head, HEI Dizzy, Corvette Cam, Split Manifold and Dual Carter YF's
Just for my info: 1. What is a high pressure face? 2. What is the pressure range of a 216? 3. What is the pressure range of a 235? 4. What range is the gauge you are going to use? 5. Is there still some problem or has your question been answered?
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
High pressure 235 replacing a low-pressure 216 into a 1950 Chevrolet truck:
"Do I need a new sending unit?" As posted by Jerry, above: just attach the existing oil-pressure sender line to the new gauge.
"I do have a new (hi-press) Instrument Face to replace the "low" face." Presumably, you are changing the oil pressure gauge "unit", not just the "face"?
Bartamos, #1. Hi pressure "face" (I didn't know what else to call it) is the instrument cluster decal for refurbishing the face of the instrument. When you order the Decal kit, it comes with both Oil Press PSI ranges, 0-15-30 and 0-30-60. My 216 stayed around 14 psi, hence the 0-15-30, I assume the 235 will be around (?) 30 psi. #5. got it figured out, I'm cool
Re-labeling the same old gauge will mean it lies to you- - - -indicating twice as much pressure as actually is there. You'll have to install the GMC-type gauge to get an accurate reading, or just put up with a pegged-out needle some of the time. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Agree with Jerry. The bottom line is just seeing if there is pressure. You can "T" off and install an aftermarket gauge to reflect actual pressure. That's if you think that you will never know if you have too high of a pressure. I would not worry about that really. Anyway be sure you know about what pressure a 235 should be. Idle and driving.
Aftermarket gauge should fit snugly in ashtray. Open ashtray and look straight at it. Line will flex enough. A blue light digital gauge could be seen thru the speaker grille and be hidden when off.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
I just run my 30# gauge for my Blue Flame 235. I don't really care what my maximum oil pressure is. All I care about is what the minimum pressure is. Mine is usually pegged. It drops to 25# on a hot day at idle. Keep in mind, that 25# reading is accurate. You will need an adapter bushing for your sensor bulb. The hole in Blue Flame is too big for the 216 sensor bulb. The Vendors carry them. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
