No, I don't mean misspelling mistake. It's a bit more serious than that. The other day we had a question about checking the oil level with a sight gauge. That got me looking at the one on my touring, and I made a worrisome discovery. I had thought that the gauge showed plenty of oil, clear to the top. But close inspection showed exactly the opposite. The oil was all the way down to the bottom petcock.
This shows why. When I put in more oil it dripped out of the gauge and filled the container on the floor to overflowing. That's what had brought the oil level down to the bottom – a leaking gauge. The worrisome part is that the last time I drove this car (a couple of miles) it had trouble climbing gentle grades, and when I got home it was pretty hot. I just hope I haven't done some serious internal damage.
The sight gauge is permanently retired, never to return, and I've replaced it with a clear plastic tube. Opening both petcocks will show the oil level, but except when I'm checking the level both petcocks will remain closed. Even if the tube gets knocked off, the oil will stay in.
Meanwhile, I have some engine checking to do.
Yup, Ludo Verfaillie's Idea from your Boo, bad accessory! Back to stock post of several days ago was THEE go to the head of the class best idea, Brilliant simply Brilliant.........and cheap too!
I learn something new every day from the critical mass of All things Model T here on this Forum.
Those accessory oil gauges are a nuisance. I've got a cigar box full of them that are never going on any of my cars.
Steve, when we were doing a change on Martin's car, I noticed that his gauge remained full after draining. I removed the top cap on the gauge and watched it drain into the sump. I don't know if he got rid of it and wouldn't trust it on my car. I have a dipstick that dad installed.
George n L.A.
Put it on correctly, like I showed in the other thread, and it will work, and safely.
Yeah, but why did you missspell misteak?
I had the same thing happen to me. I don't use them anymore. I don't know exactly what happened to cause the oil to remain high in the sight gage as the top was vented. Possibly crud in the oil lodged somewhere or a bubble of air, who knows. Whatever the cause, I feel I can't trust them and removed them from my cars.
Steve, if your oil was about the level of the lower pet cock, you'll be fine.
I don't guess I'm following you. Why did the gauge show full when it was empty? My guess is a plugged vent, kinda like picking up liquid from a cup by placing your finger over a soda straw.
I don't think it was full. I think it just looked full. Anyway, I'm retiring it in favor of something more trustworthy.
Steve, to be sure to be sure, empty oil from tube before oil level check?
Same thing. I bought mine at a swap meet (paid too much). Put it on and it leaked right away. It sits in a display case now.
Steve Jeff:
One of the guys on the Montana 500 tried that same thing (a clear tube from one hole to the other hole. The plastic melted and You can guess the rest. When the CON ROD went it was stuck half way out the side of the block.
Ricks:
If you park your T with one of the glass sight gauges on a STEEP enough hill your oil will drain out the vent on the top of the guage !!!!
Dave, that's why I'm keeping both petcocks closed except when checking the oil level.
Steve Jeff:
that sounds reasonable.
Dave, at 4 drops a minute, how long will it take to leak a quart?
Why are you people so thick headed about flow restrictors?