Oil Pressure Gauges

Falling oil pressure can be an early sign that the engine is lacking lubrication. A separate oil pressure gauge shows the pressure continuously, so you can react in time. It is relevant for you if you have a tuned project, a trackday car or an older engine you want to keep an eye on.

Mechanical or electric oil pressure gauge

A mechanical gauge gets the pressure directly via an oil line from the engine to the instrument, e.g. Sport Comp, Phantom and Z Series from AutoMeter. An electric gauge uses a pressure sender on the engine and a wire to the instrument, so no oil is routed into the cabin. This applies, for example, to the Cobalt and Carbon Fiber models. Which type suits you best depends on mounting space, wiring and the rest of your instrumentation.

How to choose an oil pressure gauge

• Scale: 0-100 PSI covers many engines, while 0-150 PSI can be relevant if the engine's oil pressure runs high.
• Size: 52 mm (2-1/16") or 2", which must fit your gauge pod or dashboard.
• Display: analog with full sweep or short sweep, or digital display.
• Design: e.g. carbon fiber, black or antique look, so the gauge matches your other gauges.

Many people combine several gauges in the same style. Among our individual gauges you will also find temperature gauges and fuel pressure gauges.

Installation and maintenance

The pressure sender or oil fitting is typically mounted in a threaded port on the engine block or at the oil filter housing, often via an adapter, depending on the engine. Check threads and sealing, and retighten the connections after the first drive. If the gauge suddenly shows low pressure, you should stop the engine and check the oil level before suspecting the gauge or the sender.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between full sweep and short sweep?

Full sweep displays the scale over a larger part of the dial, while short sweep uses a shorter arc. Both show the same pressure; the difference lies in how precisely you can read the fluctuations, and in the appearance.

Can an aftermarket oil pressure gauge cause problems at vehicle inspection?

It depends on the car and the installation. The gauge typically must not obstruct the view or be positioned dangerously in a collision, and an oil line in the cabin must be securely installed. Check the requirements for your car and the specific part number.

What oil pressure is normal for my engine?

It depends on the engine, the oil type, the temperature and the RPM. Check the engine manufacturer's specifications, and note the pressure at idle and at high RPM so you quickly spot deviations.