Just curious why all I see on 70-72 style gauge oil sender is installed at an angle? I mean it’s 100 percent. Am I missing something? Some super secret service bulletin telling the world it has to be that way? It’s something that has always bothered me. The assembly manual is clear. It says elbow should have elbow opening pointed forward and parallel to center line of engine. Mine will go on straight. Photo is my friends 72 and his machinist put it in wrong and we don’t want to touch it since he has had problems with it leaking so it’s not getting touched.

 

Just ease of access.

 

Just a slight twist of a wrench will tighten it in the correct forward position

 

If you are asking about the angle from vertical, that's because the larger diameter sender won't clear the front of the intake manifold unless you use a very tall nipple to extend it.

 

Quite the opposite, you are not missing anything. The pitch to the drivers side is wrong. You are observing human error by way of visual consistency. Unless the aftermarket replacement parts are not able to clear each other when installed by the book. Basically people are following the outline of the water pump, visual flow.

Here is an original 72 W30 as tested by High Performance Cars in November 1972. As you can see its installed by the book, parallel to center line of engine.

https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-c...0-Test-1-4.pdf

Something else to keep in mind with regards to the bent elbow in the first place. Gauges were an afterthought in muscle era cars. A warning light sender sits just right from the go. But then they threw in a bulbous sending unit and had to make it work. Gauges were professionally installed in my then 67, had to get the tall pipe nipple that Joe P speaks of.

 

My Idiot light sender goes straight up...

 

As does mine. It fits behind the water pump in front of the intake manifold.

 

I have always used NOS elbows with the angled opening and the bulbous sender clears everything no problem. The vintage magazine picture above appears to show the sender in correct forward position.

 

Also what have people seen for colors on the original style gauge type senders? Has anyone seen black or are they always gold? The one I’ll be using has a light coat o rust. I’ll probably have to paint it black. I’m guessing plating would destroy the insides. The reproductions are absolutely terrible.

 

You can spot the sender here if you freeze frame it. It’s great to study the under hood finishes on this car. Interesting the upper alternator bolt is zinc and not black. Cool video too.

 

And to throw my point right out the window this 68 shows sender at an angle.

 

Try suspending the sending unit above a "catch pan and use and "acid brush" to brush on some white vinegar several times. The vinegar will remove the rust. You can then neutralize with acid brush and plain water. Dry it polish or paint it.

 

Perhaps read the information at the bottom in the rectangular box. "Installation of Rally Pack Oil Pressure Gage To Engine (A car only)". The "idiot light sending unit" is a different size than the "Oil Pressure sending unit". Joe P pointed that out in Post #4.

 

yes, I started this post and it’s all about the gauge sender and not the idiot light type. I see you are responding to post about idiot sender type.

 

I used your PIM picture to show people what you posted originally. You were clear enough, but the people telling about their idiot light sending unit were NOT paying attention.

 

I’m guilty of that on occasion. That’s what my wife says anyway.

 

DOH!

 

There are a few "versions" of the elbow. The original differs from the NOS elbow that is available which could be why folks mount it differently.

 

What is the difference?
I have an elbow marked with the Weatherhead logo.
Is that an original?

 

I think they should have opening at around 45 degrees angle? I think the NOS and the one that Fusick sells get the angle correct.

 

It is.

I brought up the warning light sender as an afterthought to cover all bases. Gauge senders were a factory retrofit. Their installation was born a fitment compromise.

Yes.

 

I have always had a professional irritation with devices that clock via threading. There is an optimal spot for just tight enough, and one hopes it is near the clocking you want.

 

I agree with that. I just try getting fitting just tight enough. I practice dry and try it in different positions to start. That gets you in the ballpark,

 

Yes, I have felt the same way.

I adjust the clocking by adding or subtracting wraps of Teflon tape.

 

^^x2^^

 

Ok, let’s see if this works.

On my ‘77 Delta 88 Pace Car I installed the ‘79 and up factory gauges. I wanted to leave the idiot light so it gets your attention. So here’s what I did. I even made the light LED to be super bright if it comes on.

i did the exact same set up on my dads ‘77 98 that my nephew now has.

jerry

 

Jerry, I don't know if you tried to quote somebody's earlier reply. Your post is all messed up on my end.

Super! Thanks for fixing it.

 

that’s what happens when your old and try to do it from you phone. Hopefully it’s fixed.

 

I doubt it is an age related thing. I find that the phone does not work very well with posting on web forums.