Aftermarket Oil Pressure Gauge write up?

[Ian R.]

I tried searching the threads, but came up empty handed. What is the best way to install one on a 1988 Van LE 4x4 5 spd?

[timsrv]

Here's a quote from another post. To view the original thread, click on the blue arrow next to my username:


The cigarette lighter circuit would be a good choice for an ignition controlled circuit. The higher end oil pressure gauges will have an electric sending unit. Then there are the cheaper ones that just hook up to the oil pressure port with a 1/8" nylon tube (oil actually goes into the tube and sends pressure directly to the gauge). I'm using the one with the tube, but I had to get a longer tube as the one supplied with the gauge wasn't long enough. The best place to tap oil pressure is where they put the stock sending unit (right below the oil filter). The thread size for the Toyota sender is 1/8" NPT. For mine I simply got a 1/8" FPT tee and a nipple (see picture below). 1/8" NPT is a very common size for oil pressure ports, so any gauge you get should come with that size or an adapter that will allow you to use that size.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/timsrv/TVT%20pics/Engine/IMG_1588-1.jpg

Another way to do this is to purchase a filter sandwich and install it below your oil filter. The filter sandwich gives you 3 extra pressure ports to tap into. If you go this route you should use a shorter filter (like the one pictured below) so you don't run into any interference issues. Automatic 4wd vans have an oil cooler attachment here, and already require the shorter filters, so the filter sandwich may not be a good choice for those.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/timsrv/TVT%20pics/Engine/IMG_1547.jpg

The filter sandwich goes for around $50 and can be purchased at any performance oriented auto parts store. I got mine off of Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UVL6T4/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

As to places to put the gauges, scroll through these threads for ideas:

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?307-Aftermarket-Tachometer-Install

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?2759-Cooling-system-Mods

[Ian R.]

Thanks Tim, I will be going with the sandwich plate. It seems to be the easiest approach.