Instrument Cluster (Oil Pressure Gauge)

[Afzal Ahmad]

Hello:
I am just new to the MB Owners' Asso. I own a 1985 380 SE that I had purchased some 19yrs ago.
Recently I decided to change the face of the dials of the instrument cluster. I bought a set of dials with white background and black lettering, as you see in some of the new sporty cars. It came with all necessary instructions, which were quite easy to follow. I just finished installing them. All gauges were placed in their exact position and the instrument cluster looks just beautiful.

Every thing works right on except the oil pressure gauge. When you switch on the ignition, the gauge reads 1 while it should be at 0. And when you start the car the gauge goes way beyond the 3 mark. What in your opinion could be the possible problem?
Your answer would be most appreciated.
Thanks

 

[mlc]

Greetings from the UK.

Could be one of two things:

Your car manages to have 15Ibs of oil pressure when the engine isnt running

OR

Youve put it together incorrectly.

Whilst I am not a betting man, my money is on the second. The gauge has to read 0 when turned on but without the engine, im also sure that full scale deflection should nicely line up with the 3 mark

Sorry but I think you have to take it apart and line it up again.

Good luck.

 

[TimN]

I think that it is possible to knock the needle so that it rotates on the shaft. I don't believe that you can assemble the gauge onto the cluster incorrectly. The needle is fairly delicate so be careful when pushing it back.