Fuel gauge conversion from oil pressure guage? Options

[Eddie914]

I don't have a fuel gauge since it was replaced with a combo oil pressure/temp gauge for the 2.7 6 cylinder.

I have heard that an oil pressure gauge can be converted for use as a fuel guage. Geoff told me that there is a thread that describes the conversion. I have tried looking at the classic threads and performing a search, but have had no luck.

Can anybody help me?

Eddie

[ChrisReale]

I dont want to change the subject, but I have a 930 Tach that has the boost gauge on it. I was going to convert it to 4 cylinder and have the boost gauge turned into a fuel gauge by Palo Alto Speedo, but I have been putting that off....i could be talked into selling it..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Just an idea...

[Dr Evil]

If it is the 911 style dual side gauge like the one pictured then you can just unscrew a fuel gauge and put it in the place of the oil press, but it will still say druk on it. Each side just unscrews from the back. The other way to go about it is to get a VDO fuel gauge that reads from 10-180 ohms. they are like $40. Or, if you have the 911 fuel gauge you can put it into a 2 1/16" fitting. I have gauge for the 911 style, and for if you just want to put a stock 914 fuel gauge into your combo gauge.

[Dr Evil]

Here is the 911 gauge

[Dr Evil]

Optional VDO #3309556

[lapuwali]

I think the idea is he wants to keep the combo gauge as is, and add a fuel gauge to the center console, using the 914 oil pressure gauge housing.

The chief problem is finding that particular VDO gauge (the 3309556). None of the usual suspects carries it, and it's the only one that handles the resistance range of the 914 tank sender (which, btw, is exactly the same as the 911 tank sender, and not the same as any VW sender). If anyone knows of a place that stocks that part, I'd like to know about it.

I've seen at least one thread (perhaps it was on the Bird Board) that discussed gutting the oil pressure gauge and fitting the guts of the stock fuel gauge into it, making their own face. Seems fiddly. PA Speedo or North Hollywood Speedo can also do this for you, for something in the $100 range, I believe.

I also have the 911 temp/press combo gauge, but I don't have a center console. My solution at present is to use the trip odo, and I hooked the wiring for the fuel level light switch to the oil pressure light on the combo gauge, so I get at least SOME indication of low fuel.

[914forme]

Why not run a triple gauge, I made up a bunch a while back, have some fronts and backs, and instructions as well. They are a b**ch to build, but Palo Alto will do one for you also, then you run fuel, oil temp, and pressure all in the one combo guage. I traded a bunch of backs for some screend fronts. They then finished up the fronts and they where sold through the Pelican Parts Site for a while. The entire piece was really high quality, I know all the backs where laser cut, and cadium plated, the fronts where beutifully done as well. Just a PITA to put togther.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images...e_completed.JPG

Heck maybe I should build another set, but they where a pain to build also, But I do have some of the proto pieces for the handy out there. Maybe I should sell these off.

[Bleyseng]

I did the conversion of a stock oil TEMP center console gauge to a fuel gauge using the guts off a 914 combo gas gauge.

Was easy....


I looked everywhere and even ordered the VDO gauge and got ones with the wrong ohm range both times. Pissed me off so I figured it out in a afternoon. Looks stock too.

If you want Eddie I can make you up one if you supply the parts.


Geoff

[Dr Evil]

Lapuwali,
they are at the place that you mentioned for getting yours converted. As well they are easy to find on the internet.
here ya go:
http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?Type=F...es=Vision&Cart=

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?Type=F...s=Cockpit&Cart=

[Root_Werks]

Why not run a triple gauge, I made up a bunch a while back, have some fronts and backs, and instructions as well. They are a b**ch to build, but Palo Alto will do one for you also, then you run fuel, oil temp, and pressure all in the one combo guage. I traded a bunch of backs for some screend fronts. They then finished up the fronts and they where sold through the Pelican Parts Site for a while. The entire piece was really high quality, I know all the backs where laser cut, and cadium plated, the fronts where beutifully done as well. Just a PITA to put togther.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images...e_completed.JPG

Heck maybe I should build another set, but they where a pain to build also, But I do have some of the proto pieces for the handy out there. Maybe I should sell these off.

I did this kit once, it is one Craig Laughlins 914-6. The kit rocks and I wish you would do some more of them. I would buy another.

[Aaron Cox]

make more!!!! and make em cheap! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Root_Werks]

make more!!!! and make em cheap! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I remember the last time you did the kit and had people pre-order them. I know making the face is a PITA, but man, they sure turned out nice. I think enough time (years) have past that another large group of buyers are out there. Post a new thread,,, forum and see what response you get. I bet there would be a rather large interest.

[Bleyseng]

I find the triple gauge to busy as all the gauges are smashed in and just off center. Using a 911 combo and a small fuel gauge is really clean. I don't need to look at the fuel gauge when racing but I do glance at the oil temp and pressure on the track and I want to find out that info quickly!
The cockpit VDO gauge is smaller also so it doesn't fit oem style in a center console. I know I am being CW but I don't like to hack.

Geoff (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Ok Geoff,
You want a larger one? Here is a 2 5/8" which I believe is the correct size.
http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?Type=F...pit_Black&Cart=

I do like your set up though, CW (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

And yes 914forme, I would be interested in a triple gauge!

[Bleyseng]

As it notes its discontinued and I couldn't obtain one with the proper ohm range.

The triple gauge with a small diameter wheel is usless IMHO as you just can't see it.

Geoff

[Eddie914]

Geoff,

Thanks! That's the idea I now remember discussing. I'll find the old 914 combo fuel gauge and a VDO oil pressure gauge.

I'l be mounting the gauge in the ash tray cutout.

Eddie

[lapuwali]

Evil, I know about egauges, I've ordered a bunch of stuff from them. They don't carry the right gauge. They have 2" fuel level gauges, yes, but they're not the right ohm range for the 914 sender. NONE of the shops selling gauges I've run across sells the VDO gauge that works out of the box with the 914 sender. VW sender, yes. GM sender, yes. VDO "universal" sender, yes. 911/914 sender, no. However, you CAN order the VDO tube-type sender from them and use it with the tube-type gauge. The tube can be cut to length to fit the tank. No low-level fuel light, though.

btw, just a quick vendor jab: egauges has screwed up both orders I've made with them. They sent a gauge with no locking ring one time, and they sent the wrong gauge the second time. They have a good site, and a good selection, but they need to work on the fulfilment process.

The triple gauge is very nice looking, but $400 is a bit much for me.

[Dr Evil]

301-601 is the second one downa dn is not discontinued. I know for a fact that NHspeedo can get you what you need and if you want something else they can calibrate it for you. I asked them if they had the VDO I need and they did. It looks like I will have to conduct a test in the near future with both the stock gauge, and the VDO unit I got from egauges. MMM data good.

[lapuwali]

The VDO float type "universal" sender is 10-180ohms. That gauge is also for the 10-180ohm range. The sender in the 914, however, is 35-0 ohms. So, you can't use that gauge with the 914 sender...

[Dr Evil]

Lapuwali,
according to both the people at NH speedo, and at PA speedo, the range that we use IS 10-180 and VDO is the only people that I found that made a gauge in that range. The 35-0 ohm reading that one gets when measuring the level may be incorrect due to the nature of rheostats, which I believe our sender is. I called around and got this from several sources, however I have yet to try my gauge out as I am not to the "install things" stage yet. Where did you get your numbers? If I am wrong I would bet that it wouldnt be too hard to put the low fuel light into the aftermarket tube sender.