im lookin to buy an autometer oil pressure gauge since my factory gauge is pretty much unreliable. problem is im not sure whether to get electrical or mechanical. AFAIK the electrical ones come with a sender and the mechanical ones have a tube to the gauge where the oil runs thru. is this correct?. would the mechanical one be best for accuracy, since it doesn't use a sender?? any help appreciated. also if anyone has pics of their setup plz post. thanks.

 

no question, buy the mechanical and the metal tube kit for it.

 

I like both, for different reasons.

Electrical to me, is usually easier to hook up, since you don't have to worry about kinking the wires, or if there are odd areas that the gauge will be mounted, you can also make a longer or custom length run easy, by trimming the wires to the exact length you need. You can also pull the dash board or piller and disconnect the wires to be completly removed from the vehicle, start and run the (to move it out of the way) without the gauge being anywhere near the vehcile. There are also no engine fluids being funneled into the interior. Draw backs are usually there are more conections, and if the electrical is not good in the vehicle, this will have an effect of accuracy.

Mechanical gauges are said to be more accurate, for some they are harder to install, for certain gauges, you will need to drain and replace fluids, like coolant/tranny temp. This can also apply to some electrical gauges too. more direct connection and usually quicker responding gauges. Draw backs, fluid right up to and in the gauge, proper planning of hose routing is paramount, proper use of good hoses is a must, I suggest braided where applicable.

For oil, I have used mechanical, and probably will again, I use a factory electrical in my Jimmy now, I have a mechanical for my Sunbird, but I am thinking due to the length the hose would need to be, about switching over to electrical, pressure loss could be a factor over the long length of hose, although braided should be pretty good.

 

thanx for the replies. i ended up gettin the electrical one. i didnt really like the idea of bringing a tube full of oil into the interior. and it sounds easier to hook up. may not be as accurate but it should work better than my stock gauge, which sometimes goes down to 0 psi (sender is new).