850T wagon 1994 Adding oil pressure gauge

rlwhalen · Post by **rlwhalen** » 02 Dec 2009, 14:57

Has anyone added an oil pressure gauge to an 850? I believe the oil pressure switch for the idiot light is on the side of the engine block near the radiator. I would like to find a place closer to pick up the oil pressure to keep the tubing length a lot shorter than that.

Robert

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 03 Dec 2009, 07:26

Are you thinking of using a mechanically gauge or electrical gauge?

rlwhalen · Post by **rlwhalen** » 03 Dec 2009, 07:51

I was thinking of using a mechanical gauge. They are relatively cheap, though it does require running an oil containing line to the gauge rather than just wires.

Robert

rlwhalen · Post by **rlwhalen** » 01 Jan 2010, 16:50

The best solution (as suggested earlier) was to use an electronic oil pressure gauge. In order to keep the existing Volvo pressure switch for the dashboard warning light, I used a metric male thread to female 1/4" pipe thread adapter (available from Amazon.com for about $8.50) and a brass t-fitting. I re-taped one side of the t-fitting to accept the metric threads for the Volvo switch, with the transducer for the electronic pressure gauge in the opposing side of the fitting. There is enough room, but it is necessary to remove the intercooler to have adequate access to install and position everything.

I used a 3-gauge pod mount available from IPD to also install a voltmeter and turbo boost gauge. The installation matches the car's interior very well, and it's really nice to have calibrated gauges. I destroyed the car's original turbo last fall when a leak from the turbo oil return line developed during a long drive. The dashboard oil pressure light never came on, but the damage was done. The only indication of a problem was clouds of blue smoke when I next drove the car.