[70geeteeohh]

Was out today working on 1 of my cars and ran into an issue with fittings and need some help.

I am trying convert my aftermarket oil pressure gauge to use 3 an stainless line instead of copper/plastic tubing. It's more about the overall look since I know copper/plastic tubing would do the job!

Attaching to the engine block was simple enough and I have the fittings all finished on that end. The problem exists where I want to attach it to the gauge.

Does anybody know how to convert the 1/8 compression fitting on the back of my gauge to any other size?

I am 1000% sure the gauge is not 1/8 npt fitting. It is 1/8 compression and I cant find an adapter

THANKS in advance to anyone.

[25stevem]

Take a browse through the McMaster-Carr catalog.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by 25stevem

Take a browse through the McMaster-Carr catalog.

I have been doing that among a few other places with no luck.

[mgarblik]

Could you tell us the type and brand of the gauge. I know you said your 1000% sure it's not an 1/8 NPT but I have never seen one that wasn't from SW, Autometer, and many others. If nothing else, I bet you could run an 1/8" NPT die over the existing threads and have threads you could fit an adapter to. Just a thought. The compression fitting end of the adapter is a straight thread but not the female end . If everything I have said turns out to be wrong, if you have a PARKER store in your area, they have a huge selection of fittings and may be able to help you.

[25stevem]

Maybe just email or call Russell to see what they recommend.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Could you tell us the type and brand of the gauge. I know you said your 1000% sure it's not an 1/8 NPT but I have never seen one that wasn't from SW, Autometer, and many others. If nothing else, I bet you could run an 1/8" NPT die over the existing threads and have threads you could fit an adapter to. Just a thought. The compression fitting end of the adapter is a straight thread but not the female end . If everything I have said turns out to be wrong, if you have a PARKER store in your area, they have a huge selection of fittings and may be able to help you.

It's a cheapo equus brand gauge. It was only used as a cheap way to double check my autometer gauges. Wanted to verify oil pressure ratings from 2 different ports and not spend $80-$90 on another gauge.

I am sure I can just purchase another autometer phanthom series gauge and hook it up and be done with it.

Just would really like to find a fitting for this one to convert it to 4an.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by 25stevem

Maybe just email or call Russell to see what they recommend.

I would be 99% sure they would recommend buying a higher brand name gauge with 1/8npt.

But if all else fails its worth a shot.

[mgarblik]

Thanks for the pic. Now looking at that gauge, I have seen some other lower cost gauges made like that. I am not sure of how to adapt that to a male -3 or -4 hose. You got me on that one.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Thanks for the pic. Now looking at that gauge, I have seen some other lower cost gauges made like that. I am not sure of how to adapt that to a male -3 or -4 hose. You got me on that one.

Yes I agree, i am stumped as well......and you can not tap the gauge since 1/8 compression is already smaller than NPT, and soldering brass takes to much heat in this scenario.

I went ahead and ordered an autometer gauge so I can just hook it up and be done BUT I am still very interested in finding a solution to the problem.

[Schurkey]

What is the thread pitch and diameter? Straight thread instead of tapered thread?

First Guess: Gauge imported from Asia, potentially Metric-threaded. But I don't know that for sure.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

What is the thread pitch and diameter? Straight thread instead of tapered thread?

First Guess: Gauge imported from Asia, potentially Metric-threaded. But I don't know that for sure.

I will check tomorrow. I would think it's straight thread. As NPT is tapered

[Nobuddy]

You could use a 3/16 tube JIC "AN-3" straight connector and braze or solder in a piece of 1/8" copper tube. Then use the regular compressions fitting at the gauge. That is the only easy solution I know of, never seen an off the shelf adapter for anything let that.

McMaster 50675K11 for the brass JIC connector plus the sleeve and nut.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by Nobuddy

You could use a 3/16 tube JIC "AN-3" straight connector and braze or solder in a piece of 1/8" copper tube. Then use the regular compressions fitting at the gauge. That is the only easy solution I know of, never seen an off the shelf adapter for anything let that.

McMaster 50675K11 for the brass JIC connector plus the sleeve and nut.

I have considered solutions like yours...."piecing it together to get where I need" but I'm sure there is an easier way and a correct fitting.

I think I may have found it.....have to do a little more searching.

[70geeteeohh]

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys.

After Shurkey asked me bout the thread size...... I went and checked and found my solution.

This is the solution. I can use an inverted flare fitting with the proper thread and that will let me put the AN fitting right on it.

Thanks again!!!

[mgarblik]

I saw those when I was looking for you! But wasn't sure of the sizes. Get back on the thread and let us know if they worked correctly. That's good information.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I saw those when I was looking for you! But wasn't sure of the sizes. Get back on the thread and let us know if they worked correctly. That's good information.

I will, waiting on the fitting to arrive in the mail. Should be here by the end of the week

[25stevem]

Good find!

Yes, the inverted flare will take the place of the compression ball.

So are you sending back the new gauge when it shows up I would guess?

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by 25stevem

Good find!

Yes, the inverted flare will take the place of the compression ball.

So are you sending back the new gauge when it shows up I would guess?

I will just keep the new gauge. Never know if I will use it somewhere else.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by 70geeteeohh

I will just keep the new gauge. Never know if I will use it somewhere else.

I have used a gauge like that and attached a flexible grease gun hose to it. Then you have a nice gauge for testing oil pressure and for priming an engine on the engine stand.

[70geeteeohh]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I saw those when I was looking for you! But wasn't sure of the sizes. Get back on the thread and let us know if they worked correctly. That's good information.

Recieved the 1/8" inverted flare to 1/8 npt fitting and everything turned out fine. No leaks and only cost $7. Was way cheaper than buying new gauge.

Best of all I learned something new when it came to compression/tube fittings.