Oil pressure/temperature sensors/switches

[mangocrazy]

As part of my Spider 2000 engine refurb, I'm now starting to look at the oil filter block and the various senders/switches that connect there. Looking at the S2 parts book there are 3 such items that are listed. These are:

Part Number   Item description
4151997       Oil pressure sender
82240626      Oil temperature sender (Berlina only)
4249594       Oil pressure switch


In particular I was wondering why only the Berlina got oil temperature notification (assuming the parts book is correct), and if anyone has plumbed in an oil temp sender and gauge. I'm intending to replace the 40 year old sender and switch with new items (all seem to be readily available). I realise that the standard instrumentation is only 'indicative' shall we say, and slow to respond, but while I would like to upgrade to more accurate instrumentation I'm not really sure what I would replace the standard kit with, and would prefer to keep the dash as standard as possible.

I'm bracing myself for Eric's response   , but in my defence my requirements are far more mundane than those for a 300+bhp unit.

[peteracs]

Hi Graham

I think you have an oil temp sensor which goes to the top right instrument on the display?

Peter

[mangocrazy]

Hi Graham

I think you have an oil temp sensor which goes to the top right instrument on the display?

Peter

Hi Peter,

It's been so long since I've had a good look at the dash that I've forgotten, to be honest. If so, that's good news and I'll renew all three oil-related senders/swiches. I was only going on what the parts book said for these items. It did seem odd that only the Berlina was blessed with an oil temp sensor/gauge.

Graham

[WestonE]

Hi Graham

Brace brace brace! Actually just get new OE Oil Temp Oil Pressure because the vague slow information they provide is comforting and better than gauges showing nothing. Just not much if you want any accuracy or speed of information.
For the oil pressure switch get an adjustable one or one that is set at 30PSI. The factory one is at 15PSI. This change means the light will come on hot engine no load so you know it works and immediately go out with revs. If it comes on using the car under load you get a few engine saving seconds to hit the clutch and turn off the engine.

If you can find a way to add an accurate Oil Pressure / Water Temp gauge do it so you have more time and information to catch a developing problem. 
You will be shocked at how slow and in accurate the OE gauges are.

Eric   

[mangocrazy]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the info - much appreciated. I like the advice to raise the threshold for the oil warning light to come on to 30psi. That way you know that if you see it in normal running, it's a genuine problem and needs immediate attention.

Once the engine is back in the car and in use I will certainly look at getting accurate oil pressure & water temp gauges installed that fit in with the OE dashboard layout. Are low profile digital readout gauges available?

Graham

[WestonE]

Hi Graham

If you have an ECU putting out CAN you have a world of digital display options. For example I use a Toucan display. However for most turning the Stereo into a bluetooth receiver/amplifier or moving it to the lower console allows a line of 3 gauges. Racetech Mechanical or Stack Electrical  are my suggestions for quality and accuracy. Autometer offer some nice alternatives away from silver and white which would look wrong in most Betas.

Eric   

[mangocrazy]

Hi Eric,

I've just purchased a 30psi oil pressure switch and 1/8" NPT/M14 x 1.5 adaptor from Competition supplies and while on their site was checking out their gauges. The ones you mentioned were the ones that seemed most suitable for my requirements. I hadn't thought of the CD/radio slot as an option, but that could work well. Definitely food for thought. So with 3 small gauges I could accurately monitor oil pressure, and water and oil temperature. Hmmmm....

What do you do with the OE gauges on the dash? Are they connected or just left to give zero readings? Can a sender support 2 outputs; i.e. one to the dash, the other to an aftermarket gauge?

Graham