Alright... I think I have an idea as to why my stock oil gauge isn't working, but I want to bounce it off you guys.

After working well (and accurately, I might add) for so many years, the oil gauge just stopped working. Needle is on zero all the time. At first, it scared the crap outta me, but one check of the dipstick reassured me that I did, in fact, have full oil. The lack of rocker arms ticking and valves rattling let me know that oil was indeed flowing.

So, I either have a bad gauge or a bad sending unit. How would I go about checking either one? Hell, I'm not even sure as to where the oil pressure sending unit is. That's the one thing that's worked for 27 years without a hiccup, so I never thought about looking for it!

 

Most likely its the gauge, get an aftermarket one and you should see the correct pressure.

 

I would replace your sending unit. It is located on the passenger side about the middle of the block. Do the clock, and voltmeter still work? It could be possible also. That you have a warped circuit board. They don't like 20 plus years of heat. lol Let us know what you find out, and good luck man.

 

Clock and volt meter still work. Trying not to go aftermarket with gauges. I like the look of the black faces with the green lights (disco dash).

Haven't had a chance to get out under it due to my work schedule and fixing my wife's Land Rover. I'll try to take a quick peek tomorrow before work and see if it's still connected or if the contacts need cleaning. I've been driving the Z 73 miles a day since December and it runs like a champ! Including the trip out here, that adds up to 20k miles in just under 9 months.

If I could just get the damn suspension changed, I'd be happy!!!

 

Man.... do I feel stupid. Damn thing just came unplugged. Popped the connection back on and BLAM! Oil gauge back in action.

Gotta love the easy fix!

 

lol nice. If it ever fails in the long run get an OEM Early Z31 Oil Pressure sender they work great and they will never fail or leak for a very very long time

 

Good to know - mine is leaking and I needs to be replaced. I found out because my oil presure went hard right with just the ignition on and the engine not running Turns out the connector was full of oil...