[alfa] Autometer Oil Guages

["John E. Newhagen Ph.D." <newhagen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I found the stock electric oil pressure gauge on my 73 Spider to be 
worthless many years ago.
So I replace it with an Autometer mechanical gauge that fit right into 
the console with a bit of
work. Problem was that engine vibration caused the copper sending tube 
to fatigue right at the
fitting on the engine. This, of course, caused the engine to spray the 
entire contents of the crankcase
all over creation, and if you don't happen to notice it, run the risk of 
losing the entire engine.
That happened three times. First time because I didn't anticipate the 
problem, second time because
I hadn't figured out how to solve it. (I did solve it by securing the 
line to clamp on an empty bolt
hole on a carb. and then putting a couple loops in the line to absorb 
the vibration) This last time it
went after I had some head work done and the mechanic didn't understand 
the problem and I let
it slip.

Finally I have now discovered Autometer (available throughout 
International Auto Parts at the tune of
about $65) sells a braided stainless sender tube. I just got it in, and 
THAT is the final solution.
Anybody with a copper line might want to take a hard look at it and 
consider the stainless as
an alternative.

--
John E. Newhagen Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Philip Merrill College of Journalism
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
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