Trouble removing oil pressure line from cluster W123
 

I was just trying to remove the instrument cluster from my 84 300D and ran into an issue.

I got everything unplugged and the last thing I went to remove was the line for the oil pressure gauge. I loosened the 10mm nut and fought tooth and nails trying to pull the line out.

I then studied the 'nut' and thought to myself that something doesn't look right with it. I think part of it broke off into the threaded area and is stuck in there. I took a few different photos of the end where the nut loosened to get some thoughts if it appears that this was what happened; notice how the end looks jagged and not similar all the way around.

If what I think happened did in fact happen, does anyone have any insight on how to remedy to situation, or is there something else to it to remove the line after loosening the nut?

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...pseug2mocp.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...psjbl80qqa.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...psycmkcmee.jpg

You might need a new gage and a hose! It looks like the threads that screw into the gage have broken off from the outer/upper part of the fitting , the hex part on the hose. The threads are down inside the gage body fitting and it will likely end up destroying at least the hose if you try to get the threaded broken off part out of where it is now.

Here's an idea: Have a heat gun? You could try using a heat gun to soften the plastic tube and try to pull it off the barbed section that is now stuck in the back of the gauge.

Once you have that out, you can work on getting the remains out of the back of the gauge. Penetrating oil, patience, a left-handed drill bit...???

I think you may end up needing both oil gauge and pressure tube replaced. Use the old pressure tube to pull the new tube into position through the dash/firewall. Used parts should be fine, if you can get them.

ouch... that sucks!

yup, you are likely going to need a new tube, and gauge. PM if you need one.

Sadly, I do not have a heat gun to try this. I do need to get it out though. I don't mind getting replacement parts but do need to free it up so I can finish pulling the cluster out.

Is it possible I can just cut the line behind the nut that way I can finish pulling the cluster out? I'll just find a new gauge and oil line while I'm having the odo fixed. I already tried removing the entire gauge from the cluster but it appears that piece being stuck still won't allow it to budge any.

Tell me about it! I'll send you a PM...

That would be my next move.

If there is any chance of anyone attempting to start or starting and running the engine of that car with the oil pressure line disconnected either clamp the hose off with a pair of vice grips and put some big clear reminder near the ignition switch or the dash!

Some people would be surprised to learn how much oil can come out of that little hose in a short period of time! My wife sure was when she decided moving a car was better and easier than waiting to find out if there was any reason not to start it, ruined her pants and an expensive pair of shoes learning that!

Something tells me it was somehow your fault! LOL!
Just cut the plastic line and get your gauge to the work bench so you can start working on it. It looks like you already have a couple of leads on replacement parts so let the fun begin!

Motor is currently partially torn apart so it won't be started anytime soon:D

I'll attempt to cut the line tonight when I get home from work. I'll just try finding a replacement gauge- Vstech is looking for one with the black buttons so it'll match mine. If he can't locate one I'll put a post in the Wanted section. He has a used line I'll buy from him as well.

Thanks for all y'alls input!