Low oil pressure / inconsitant oil pressure
I'm a little concerned. This is a 6CTA, Ref # 53-34874-004 engine # 45358278, model C8.3-325, read that as 325 HP. When first cranked (weather cold -12, or hot 110) the oil pressure gauge on the...
Forum Discussion
Quote: "Some one else in the business says that the dash gauges are for amusement purposes only."
Sadly, this is too often true. Gauges for modern cars are often designed for the lowest common denominator, read: for folks who have no interest or knowledge of mechanical things. So, to keep customers off their backs regarding gauge readings, the gauges are turned into idiot lights with pointers which read "OK...NO PROBLEMS...DRIVE ON" right up to the time when a problem gets so bad it destroys the engine. As a result, many gauges nowadays are no longer useful for interpreting trends which could indicate the need to take corrective action before the engine grinds to a stop.
That's why I've been adding my own gauges to my vehicles since 1958. These give actual readings, and I'm interested enough to know the difference between good and bad readings. I usually install the best of both worlds: audible and visual alarms that activate when dangerous conditions exist, and true gauges to allow me to avoid the alarms from having to actually activate.
Sadly, this is too often true. Gauges for modern cars are often designed for the lowest common denominator, read: for folks who have no interest or knowledge of mechanical things. So, to keep customers off their backs regarding gauge readings, the gauges are turned into idiot lights with pointers which read "OK...NO PROBLEMS...DRIVE ON" right up to the time when a problem gets so bad it destroys the engine. As a result, many gauges nowadays are no longer useful for interpreting trends which could indicate the need to take corrective action before the engine grinds to a stop.
That's why I've been adding my own gauges to my vehicles since 1958. These give actual readings, and I'm interested enough to know the difference between good and bad readings. I usually install the best of both worlds: audible and visual alarms that activate when dangerous conditions exist, and true gauges to allow me to avoid the alarms from having to actually activate.
