I recently thought I'd treat the Dexta to a proper pair of warning lights. I've got them all wired in and the charge light works fine, but the oil pressure light is doing nothing (doesn't come on ever). I've connected up to the existing oil pressure switch which I thought looked a bit odd and now guess isn't working.
Can I simply swap this out or is there something else going on here? If I told you my engine number 1420636 and date stamp L58 could anyone advise if I need 1/8 or 1/4 switch? And finally, if I replace the switch can I do it without draining the oil?
No you do not I to drain oil to replace switch just shut engine off or you will be in an oily mess. I replaced mine with a gauge on a 45 degree angle so as to look over at it frequently.
Your engine block casting date is 5th Oct 1958, and your eng number which fits with my unofficial list of engine dates.
So not a Super D block, but quite an early standard block. I can't tell you which thread your pressure switch will have, suggest you just remove it and see.
You can easily test your oil warning light circuit by shorting the cable to the switch, to the engine block - the light should come on.
Thanks again. Confirmed circuit all ok and measured switch. Replacement should be here soon so everything will be up to scratch... just hope the light goes out!
Well to close the loop, I've now got the pressure switch in and working. The warning light goes out at about 1600 revs so I'm going to try an oil change for 20w-50 and see if that makes a lot of difference...
