W123 Oil pressure Gauge
 

While changing my instrument cluster on my 84 300DT, I noticed what looked like a small trace of oil on the bottom leather part of the cluster. Having read other posts, I think I have read that there is actually oil in the line that runs to the gauge. Is that true? Hard to believe there is actually oil in that line to read pressure. My other cars has a sensor under the hood that sends an electronic signal to the gauge.If this is true, I guess i have dislodged the oil line while replacing the lighting. ANy ideas/comments greatly appreciated/

Thanks,
Harry

Yes, this is true.

Why should this be so hard to believe? Isn't OIL pressure what is being measured?

Computerized and electronic gadgetry hasn't been with us very long.

If you haven't broken the oil line, then the connection is most likely lose. Tighten it and then give it a try.

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
 

Well, water temperature measurement does not require pushing water up to the gauge. This technology (electronic) has been around for quite a while.thanks for the info.

Thanks,
Harry

oil pressue gauge
 

Has anyone experienced this oil line coming loose or breaking a spitting oil out all over the back side of the instrument cluster? I'm getting worried now.

Thanks,
Harry

Yes a number of people have got there carpets oiled that way and if it is a diesel that is not the only way you can oil your carpets. The engine shut off mechanism attached to the ignition key can do it also. Got to be careful now days with all this high tech equipment.

nope. lines don't fail- the GAUGE fail usually after it's been wrenched on.


Can make a stinky mess as the path can be long and some don't notice it until their foot is slipping off the brake. Seen them bad... nasty to clean. Replace carpet, sound proofing, dash lower insulation, and just clean everything else.

Keep an eye on it and replace it if it's questionable.

Michael

w123 oil pressure gauge
 

I was able to get the cluster out far enough to see some oil on the padding at the bottom but the oil pressure line is dry and oil free. How does the shut off mech. get oil or why does it need oil? Is this a difficult fix? or DIY for an "average" guy??

Thanks,
Harry

The vacuum lines going to the ignition switch are what the earlier poster was referring to. sometimes oil spews out of the vacuum line by the ignition switch which usually indicates a leak somewhere else.

oil pressure gauge
 

Thanks for that. I dont think I have a vacuum leak. Having trouble getting the bottom panel out. I see one phillips screw but thats all. Removed it but the panel seems stuck in there. I must be missing seeing some more scews.

Thanks,
Harry

oil pressure gauge
 

The oil leak under my instrument cluster seems to have stopped. When it first happened, I wiped the oil off with a rag. Couple days later, I see another drip, but since theb (about 100 mi. of driving) no more leak. Has anyone experienced an oil leak like this just stopping? Or is it just a matter of time before it starts again. The oil pressure fitting seems tight and dry as well as the ignition from the back. All replies appreciated.(84 300DT)

Thanks,
Harry

That panel is very easy to remove on a W123, same goes for the cluster.

Seldom do things fix themselves.

I'm not sure you got a clear response on ..

The cut-off switch on the ignition can leak oil, it uses vacuum to pull a diaphram on the injection pump. If that diagram leaks, then the vacuum will pull oil into the line and switch.
Mechanical switchs are more reliable for pressure readings than electronic. So, they were used for a long time. Or you can blame it on if it works- no reason to re-design it. Probably carried over from W115 days into the W123's without any though.

Michael

oil pressure gauge
 

Thanks Sam,

Do you know where this vacuum diaphram is located. Under the dash or hood?

Thanks,
Harry

ooil pressure gauge
 

If I pull the cluster and then the gauge...will a leak be obvious? What am I looking for? As far as I can see now with the cluster puled out a few inches, the oil line and fitting is tight and dry.

Thanks,
Harry

Well I guess that depends on how much oil is on your carpet - now that you've got the gauge out you could try running the engine to see if any oil weeps or squirts out.

The other possibility that was also posted was a leak from the vacuum lines running to the ignition key - take a look there too.

If you still can't find it take a deep breath and don't get distracted by the wood or the trees - if you see what I mean? The oil must be leaking from somewhere and it will leak down.