Oil pressure gauge broken, sutable replacements?

[MBB]

On my way to Poole Quay I noticed that my oil pressure gauge was falling into the dash - on removal the casing is split so a new gauge is required.

Caterham part is £102 and out of stock, anyone know if there is a drop in replacement from elsewhere?

[Jonathan Kay]

Might it be repairable?

If not DIY then by one of the specialists? "Speedometer and Instrument Repairs."

Jonathan

PS: Is it electronic? If so you're probably about to get advice to go mechanical...

 

[John Vine]

Has your gauge split just under the bezel, like this? 

This was my fuel gauge, and I managed to repair it with superglue.

JV

[MBB]

John V

That's exactly how its split, I wasn't sure how long a superglue repair would last, but may do it as a temporar measure.

Jonathan

I use the Caterham exclusively on the road, so not interested in a mechanical gauge.

[SM25T]

Mechanical gauge cheaper than one electric sender. No reason not to change, even 'for road use only'.

[John Vine]

Re #4:

I repaired mine about three years ago, and it's still going strong.  The trick is not to overtighten the knurled screws!

JV

[John Vine]

The case for going mechanical is probably greater if you have a K due to the fragility of the standard sender (they are very intolerant of engine vibration).  The Sigma/Duratec sender is much more robust.  But even then, it's reassuring to know exactly what's happening pressure-wise as the gauge is quite heavily damped.  That's why I went mechanical on my R400D.   I was concerned about consistent oil pressure with a wet sump (road use).

What model do you have?

JV
 

[ChrisC]

The only week point in the Sigma/Duratec oil pressure sensor is the resistor and diode in the subloom between the sensor and the chassis loom.  Always check this before you replace the sensor.  

I also find Caterham strap the gauge wiring very tightly behind the gauges, I always wondered if this was the reason for the case failure.  I can't think of any other reason it would happen. 

[John Vine]

 I can't think of any other reason it would happen.

Apart from over-tightening the knurled nuts, perhaps?

JV

[AristoCat]

If you check in the For Sale section I have one for sale!

[ChrisC]

That's one tight gauge :-)

[DennisA]

This a common problem with these gauges. I have repaired several with superglue, works fine - dont be in any hurry to replace with new. Suspect the problem is difference in heat expansion coefficient between case & glass bezel.

[DennisA]

This a common problem with these gauges. I have repaired several with superglue, works fine - dont be in any hurry to replace with new. Suspect the problem is difference in heat expansion coefficient between case & glass bezel.

[timb2117]

John's right over tightening is easy to do and a pest. I repaired mine too with a nice thick coat of good quality epoxy adhesive left to set overnight and helped with a bit of sunlight, then made sure the rubber retaining ring was fresh - essentially to give it grip in the dash, and gently screwed into place, works a treat.