Idiot Gauge

[I66coupe]

Think I got one of Ford's "idiot gauge" senders for my '66 200. On start up, the oil pressure gauge moves to a certain spot and doesn't vary.

Anyone have a part number and manufacturer for a real sending unit?

For those that are not familiar with this idiot gauge, I read some years ago that Ford was having lots of service requests due to folks unfamiliar with the operation of a true oil pressure gauge. They complained that there was something wrong with the engine because the oil pressure varied so much during the day. Ford began making sending units with a fixed resistance to stop this. Once the oil pressure gets above a certain threshold, the oil pressure gauge moves to a certain spot and doesn't vary (the '06 van I drive at work does this) . Hot, cold...fast rpm, slow...makes no difference in the gauge. That is what I seem to have in the Mustang now.

 

[Patrick66]

this seems to be a very popular topic right now.

i would say to ask for one from a later car, or find a mechanical gauge thats the same size and put it in your cluster.

 

[60s Refugee]

Go to NPD catalogue. Get the one for GT dash and you'll be OK.

Its a bigger unit, sorta like a small can. I'll bet the new one you have looks like a brass bolt with a threaded center post, right?!

Harry

 

[I66coupe]

Actually, no. It looks just like the normal gauge sender (thats how they fooled me). I'll give NPD a call. I need to call them anyway to order a new wheelcover spinner cap since losing one on the power tour.

I was going to double check the thing with my multi-meter but its raining pretty good out there right now.