617 electric oil pressure sending unit?

[threehunnertdee]

Hello all,

First, let me say thanks to Phil and everyone on the board for making my first Benz (and first diesel) a much easier project. Having access to the collective knowledge here is priceless. Thanks!

My original oil pressure gauge was dismantled by the PO, because it leaked all over the inside of the dash as I've read so many do. I'd like to install an aftermarket electric unit to get me by for awhile. Questions:

I can see a big fat shiny new bolt stuck in a bung at the bottom of the oil filter housing. Is that where the mechanical gauge hookup was?

Should I be able to fit or adapt an electric sending unit to that fitting?

Will 8 quarts of Rotella come gushing out of there when I remove that bolt? Should I at least drain the filter housing first?

Thanks everyone!
Jerry

'85 300D

[kerry]

Yes, that's where it goes. People who have installed low oil pressure audible alarms have worked on that fitting a lot. If you search on low oil pressure alarms, you should find lots of info. While you're working on it, it would be a good idea to install a low oil pressure audible alarm because the oil cooler hoses on these engines make them susceptible to engine destruction from losing oil thru a failed oil cooler line that is not detected quickly enough via a visual gauge.
Some 617's (W126?) came with electric oil pressure gauges I think.

[pawoSD]

Not much oil will drain out if you remove the plug, I'd guess less than a quart, most of the oil is down in the engine pan.

[threehunnertdee]

Thanks. Does anyone have any recommendations for a favorite aftermarket electric gauge? Will a 100 psi model be sufficient?

Jerry

Originally Posted by threehunnertdee

Thanks. Does anyone have any recommendations for a favorite aftermarket electric gauge? Will a 100 psi model be sufficient?

Jerry

You should look for a 120+psi gauge. The regulated max pressure is 7bar or 101.53psi.