Yesterday I changed the oil on my 1925 Model T for the first time since acquiring it. I also installed a brand new oil sight gauge. Went for a test drive and there was a slow drip from the gauge. OK, I thought, I'll tighten that up tomorrow.
Of course, today I find the oil tray on the garage floor full of oil! I find that the gauge is leaking from the top, not the bottom. Hmmm... There were 3 gaskets in the box but the instructions only called for 2. Maybe I should put the extra gasket in the top.
Drained the oil, disassembled the gauge, THEN come and search the forum.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/369265.html?1371946753
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/176105.html?1292232575
Doh! Of course the gauge needs to breath from the top! I should have known that. The problem was I'd put in too much oil.
Replace and tighten the sump plug, reassemble the gauge, repour most of the oil back into the engine keeping an eye on the sight gauge.
Note to self: check the forum first!
Gotta love the internet........especially when you use it first........LOL
After my unfortunate experience with one of those gauges, mine will be going to a swap meet to sell. Here's what I now use instead.
Open the petcocks and let the oil seek its own level. After reading, close the petcocks in case the hose comes off.
I use one of the sight gauges but have a shut off between it and the pan. Open to see oil level and after the car starts and the oil in the sight gauge is sucked back into the pan I shut it. Works great!