Wikipedia:Sandbox
Installing a Oil Pressure and and Oil Temperature gauge in an S2
The new hardware
The gauges were bought from elise-shop.com because all my experiences there have been brilliant. Although I wanted a simple gauge I did decide to go for the new (end of 2007) gauges they had to offer there because they were 'cheap', had 270 degree displays (so you get a good reading) and have warning options in several ways. They are high tech, perhaps a bit too high tech with the lights, animations and sounds. But they work, look cool and seem reliable.
- Oil Temperature Gauge (comes with cables and sensor) http://www.elise-shop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=634
- Oil Pressure Gauge (comes with cables and sensor) http://www.elise-shop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=635
- Sensor Adapter Take off for k-Series engine http://www.elise-shop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=389
Please note the sensors, the sensor cables and the Sensor Adapter Take off are not shown here. The image shows the gauge 'holders that allow the gauges to be mounted in different locations (on top of dash etc). Apart from some aluminum plate (not too thin) some new bolts and a bit of wire I used nothing else.
Preparation
- The work started by removing the radio and the front speakers (rear speakers will need to be removed later). This saved 2500 grams being replaced by 450 grams of new equipment. All the old weight was high in the car, the new weight (mainly the Sensor Adapter) is mostly low in the car. The radio was replaced as it was not never heard over the engine.
- Both the bottom plates were removed so all parts of the engine were accessible.
- Oil plug was removed, all oil drained and left 24 hours to drip (amazing how much keeps coming out), oil plug inserted.
- Oil Filter was removed at the same time and again left open for 24 hours (again amazed of the amount of oil that is comes out, after 20 hours thick black tar seems to drip out)
- Center Console was detached (not removed)
Installing the sensors
After cleaning the area around the oil filter the new oil filter was installed, with the adapter plate between engine and filter. The two sensors were screwed in without any sealing method (they have tapered screw) and have not leaked to this moment).